RamCharitManas Uttar Kand in English Transliteration Meaning Translation

श्रीगणेशायनमः | Shri Ganeshay Namah
श्रीजानकीवल्लभो विजयते | Shri JanakiVallabho Vijayte
श्रीरामचरितमानस | Shri RamCharitManas
सप्तम सोपान | Descent Seven
श्री उत्तर काण्ड | Shri Uttar Kanda

श्लोक | Shloka:
केकीकण्ठाभनीलं सुरवरविलसद्विप्रपादाब्जचिह्नं
शोभाढ्यं पीतवस्त्रं सरसिजनयनं सर्वदा सुप्रसन्नम्‌।
पाणौ नाराचचापं कपिनिकरयुतं बन्धुना सेव्यमानं।
नौमीड्यं जानकीशं रघुवरमनिशं पुष्पकारूढरामम्‌॥1।

kēkīkaṇṭhābhanīlaṃ suravaravilasadviprapādābjacihnaṃ
śōbhāḍhyaṃ pītavastraṃ sarasijanayanaṃ sarvadā suprasannam.
pāṇau nārācacāpaṃ kapinikarayutaṃ bandhunā sēvyamānaṃ
naumīḍyaṃ jānakīśaṃ raghuvaramaniśaṃ puṣpakārūḍharāmam..1..

Possessed of a form greenish blue as the neck of a peacock and adorned with a print of the Brahmana’s lotus-foot-which testifies to His being the greatest of all gods-rich in splendour, clad in yellow robes, lotus-eyed, ever-propitious, holding a bow and arrow in His hands, accompanied by a host of monkeys and waited upon by His own brother (Laksmana), I unceasingly extol Sri Rama, the praiseworthy lord of Sita (Janaka’s Daughter), the chief of Raghu’s line, mounted on the aerial car named Puspaka,

कोसलेन्द्रपदकन्जमंजुलौ कोमलावजमहेशवन्दितौ।
जानकीकरसरोजलालितौ चिन्तकस्य मनभृंगसंगिनौ॥2॥

kōsalēndrapadakañjamañjulau kōmalāvajamahēśavanditau.
jānakīkarasarōjalālitau cintakasya manabhṛṅgasaḍginau..2..

The lotus-feet of Sri Rama (the Lord of Kosala), charming and delicate, are adored by Brahma (the Unborn) and the greatest Lord Siva and fondled by the lotus hands of Janaka’s Daughter and are the haunt of the bee-like mind of the worshipper.

कुन्दइन्दुदरगौरसुन्दरं अम्बिकापतिमभीष्टसिद्धिदम्‌।
कारुणीककलकन्जलोचनं नौमि शंकरमनंगमोचनम्‌॥3॥

kundaindudaragaurasundaraṃ ambikāpatimabhīṣṭasiddhidam.
kāruṇīkakalakañjalōcanaṃ naumi śaṃkaramanaṃgamōcanam..3..
I glorify the All-merciful Lord Sankara, possessing a comely form, white as the jasmine flower, the moon and the conch, with eyes resembling a lovely lotus, Ambika’s (Mother Parvati’s) Spouse, the bestower of one’s desired fruit and the deliverer from the clutches of carnality.

दोहा | Dohas:
रहा एक दिन अवधि कर अति आरत पुर लोग।
जहँ तहँ सोचहिं नारि नर कृस तन राम बियोग॥

rahā ēka dina avadhi kara ati ārata pura lōga.
jahaom tahaom sōcahiṃ nāri nara kṛsa tana rāma biyōga..

The term of Sri Rama’s exile was to expire only the next day, which made the people of the city extremely anxious. Wasted in body through separation from Sri Rama, men and women alike were plunged in thought everywhere.

सगुन होहिं सुंदर सकल मन प्रसन्न सब केर।
प्रभु आगवन जनाव जनु नगर रम्य चहुँ फेर॥

saguna hōhiṃ suṃdara sakala mana prasanna saba kēra.
prabhu āgavana janāva janu nagara ramya cahuom phēra..

Meanwhile auspicious omens of all kinds occurred and everyone felt cheerful at heart. The city itself brightened up all round, as if to announce the Lord’s advent.

कौसल्यादि मातु सब मन अनंद अस होइ।
आयउ प्रभु श्री अनुज जुत कहन चहत अब कोइ॥

kausalyādi mātu saba mana anaṃda asa hōi.
āyau prabhu śrī anuja juta kahana cahata aba kōi..

Kausalya and the other mothers all felt inwardly happy as if someone was about to tell them that the Lord had come with Sita and Laksmana.

भरत नयन भुज दच्छिन फरकत बारहिं बार।
जानि सगुन मन हरष अति लागे करन बिचार॥

bharata nayana bhuja dacchina pharakata bārahiṃ bāra.
jāni saguna mana haraṣa ati lāgē karana bicāra..

Bharata’s right eye and arm throbbed again and again. Recognizing this to be a lucky omen, he felt overjoyed at heart; but the very next moment he became thoughtful again.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
रहेउ एक दिन अवधि अधारा। समुझत मन दुख भयउ अपारा॥
कारन कवन नाथ नहिं आयउ। जानि कुटिल किधौं मोहि बिसरायउ॥1॥

rahēu ēka dina avadhi adhārā. samujhata mana dukha bhayau apārā..
kārana kavana nātha nahiṃ āyau. jāni kuṭila kidhauṃ mōhi bisarāyau..

The term of Sri Rama’s exile, which was the sole hope of his life, was going to expire only a day hence: the thought filled Bharata’s mind with untold grief. “How is it that the Lord did not turn up? Has He cast me out of His mind, knowing me to be crooked?

अहह धन्य लछिमन बड़भागी। राम पदारबिंदु अनुरागी॥
कपटी कुटिल मोहि प्रभु चीन्हा। ताते नाथ संग नहिं लीन्हा॥2॥
ahaha dhanya lachimana baḍabhāgī. rāma padārabiṃdu anurāgī..
kapaṭī kuṭila mōhi prabhu cīnhā. tātē nātha saṃga nahiṃ līnhā..

Ah ! How blessed and fortunate is Laksmana, who is truly devoted to Sri Rama’s lotus-feet. The Lord knew me to be false and perverse; that is why He refused to take me alongwith Him.

जौं करनी समुझै प्रभु मोरी। नहिं निस्तार कलप सत कोरी॥
जन अवगुन प्रभु मान न काऊ। दीन बंधु अति मृदुल सुभाऊ॥3॥
jauṃ karanī samujhai prabhu mōrī. nahiṃ nistāra kalapa sata kōrī..
jana avaguna prabhu māna na kāū. dīna baṃdhu ati mṛdula subhāū..

If the Lord were to consider my doings, there would be no redemption for me even after countless cycles. But the Lord never takes into account the faults of His devotees, being a friend of the humble and most tender-hearted.

मोरे जियँ भरोस दृढ़ सोई। मिलिहहिं राम सगुन सुभ होई॥
बीतें अवधि रहहिं जौं प्राना। अधम कवन जग मोहि समाना॥4॥
mōri jiyaom bharōsa dṛḍha sōī. milihahiṃ rāma saguna subha hōī..
bītēṃ avadhi rahahi jauṃ prānā. adhama kavana jaga mōhi samānā..

I have a firm conviction in my heart that Sri Rama will surely meet me; for the omens are so propitious. But, if I outlive the expiry of the time-limit, no one would be so despicable in this world as I.”

दोहा | Dohas:
राम बिरह सागर महँ भरत मगन मन होत।
बिप्र रूप धरि पवनसुत आइ गयउ जनु पोत॥1क॥
rāma biraha sāgara mahaom bharata magana mana hōta.
bipra rūpa dhari pavana suta āi gayau janu pōta..1ka..

While Bharata’s mind was thus sinking in the ocean of separation from Sri Rama, the son of the wind-god, disguised as a Brahmana, came like a bark to his rescue.

बैठे देखि कुसासन जटा मुकुट कृस गात॥
राम राम रघुपति जपत स्रवत नयन जलजात॥1ख॥
baiṭhi dēkhi kusāsana jaṭā mukuṭa kṛsa gāta.
rāma rāma raghupati japata stravata nayana jalajāta..1kha..

He (Hanuman Ji) found Bharata seated on a mat of Kusa grass, emaciated in body, with a coil of matted hair for a crown and the words, “Rama, Rama, Raghupati” on his lips, his lotus eyes streaming with tears.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
देखत हनूमान अति हरषेउ। पुलक गात लोचन जल बरषेउ॥
मन महँ बहुत भाँति सुख मानी। बोलेउ श्रवन सुधा सम बानी॥1॥
dēkhata hanūmāna ati haraṣēu. pulaka gāta lōcana jala baraṣēu..
mana mahaom bahuta bhāomti sukha mānī. bōlēu śravana sudhā sama bānī..
At this sight Hanuman was over-joyed; every hair on his body stood erect and his eyes rained copiously. He felt gratified at heart in everyway and addressed Bharata in words that were as nectar to his ears:

जासु बिरहँ सोचहु दिन राती। रटहु निरंतर गुन गन पाँती॥
रघुकुल तिलक सुजन सुखदाता। आयउ कुसल देव मुनि त्राता॥2॥
jāsu birahaom sōcahu dina rātī. raṭahu niraṃtara guna gana pāomtī..
raghukula tilaka sujana sukhadātā. āyau kusala dēva muni trātā..

“He, in whose absence you sorrow day and night, the catalogue of whose virtues you are incessantly recounting the glory of Raghu’s line, the delight of the virtuous and the deliverer of gods and sages, has safely arrived.

रिपु रन जीति सुजस सुर गावत। सीता सहित अनुज प्रभु आवत॥
सुनत बचन बिसरे सब दूखा। तृषावंत जिमि पाइ पियूषा॥3॥
ripu rana jīti sujasa sura gāvata. sītā sahita anuja prabhu āvata..
sunata bacana bisarē saba dūkhā. tṛṣāvaṃta jimi pāi piyūṣā..

Having conquered His foe in battle, with the gods to hymn His praises, the Lord is now on His way with Sita and Laksmana.” The moment Bharata heard these words he forgot all his woes, like a thirsty man who has secured nectar.

को तुम्ह तात कहाँ ते आए। मोहि परम प्रिय बचन सुनाए॥
मारुत सुत मैं कपि हनुमाना। नामु मोर सुनु कृपानिधाना॥4॥
kō tumha tāta kahāom tē āē. mōhi parama priya bacana sunāē..
māruta suta maiṃ kapi hanumānā. nāmu mōra sunu kṛpānidhānā..

(Bharat Ji asked) “Who are you, my beloved friend, and whence have you come? You have told me a most pleasing news.” ” Listen, O fountain of mercy: I am the son of the wind-god, a monkey; Hanuman is my name.

दीनबंधु रघुपति कर किंकर। सुनत भरत भेंटेउ उठि सादर॥
मिलत प्रेम नहिं हृदयँ समाता। नयन स्रवतजल पुलकित गाता॥5॥
dīnabaṃdhu raghupati kara kiṃkara. sunata bharata bhēṃṭēu uṭhi sādara..
milata prēma nahiṃ hṛdayaom samātā. nayana stravata jala pulakita gātā..

I am a humble servant of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), the befriender of the meek.” Hearing this, Bharata rose and reverently embraced him. The affection with which he embraced him was too great for his heart to contain; his eyes streamed with tears and every hair on his body stood erect.

कपि तव दरस सकल दुख बीते। मिले आजुमोहि राम पिरीते॥
बार बार बूझी कुसलाता। तो कहुँ देउँ काह सुन भ्राता॥6॥
kapi tava darasa sakala dukha bītē. milē āju mōhi rāma pirītē..
bāra bāra būjhī kusalātā. tō kahuom dēuom kāha sunu bhrātā..
“At your very sight, O Hanuman, all my woes have disappeared. In you I have embraced today my beloved Rama Himself.” Again and again he enquired after Sri Rama’s health and said, “Listen, brother; what shall I give you (in return for this happy news)?

एहि संदेस सरिस जग माहीं। करि बिचार देखेउँ कछु नाहीं॥
नाहिन तात उरिन मैं तोही। अब प्रभु चरित सुनावहु मोही॥7॥
ēhi saṃdēsa sarisa jaga māhīṃ. kari bicāra dēkhēuom kachu nāhīṃ..
nāhina tāta urina maiṃ tōhī. aba prabhu carita sunāvahu mōhī..

I have pondered and found that there is nothing in this world to match the news you have brought. I am thus unable to repay my debt to you. Now, pray, recount to me the doings of my lord.”

तब हनुमंत नाइ पद माथा। कहे सकल रघुपति गुन गाथा॥
कहु कपि कबहुँ कृपाल गोसाईं। सुमिरहिं मोहि दास की नाईं॥8॥
taba hanumaṃta nāi pada māthā. kahē sakala raghupati guna gāthā..
kahu kapi kabahuom kṛpāla gōsāīṃ. sumirahiṃ mōhi dāsa kī nāīṃ..

Then Hanuman bowed his head at Bharata’s feet and narrated all the meritorious deeds of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus). “Tell me, Hanuman, does my gracious lord ever remember me as one of His servants?”

छंद | Chhand :
निज दास ज्यों रघुबंसभूषन कबहुँ मम सुमिरन कर्‌यो।
सुनि भरत बचन बिनीत अति कपि पुलकि तन चरनन्हि पर्‌यो॥
रघुबीर निज मुख जासु गुन गन कहत अग जग नाथ जो।
काहे न होइ बिनीत परम पुनीत सदगुन सिंधु सो॥
nija dāsa jyōṃ raghubaṃsabhūṣana kabahuom mama sumirana kar yō.
suni bharata bacana binīta ati kapi pulakita tana carananhi par yō..
raghubīra nija mukha jāsu guna gana kahata aga jaga nātha jō.
kāhē na hōi binīta parama punīta sadaguna siṃdhu sō..

“Did the Jewel of Raghu’s line ever remember me as His servant ?” Hanuman was thrilled with joy to hear this over-modest question of Bharata and fell at the latter’s feet, (saying to himself,)

“How can he be otherwise than humble, the holiest of the holy and an ocean of noble virtues, whose praises Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line), the lord of the animate and inanimate creation, recites with His own lips?”

दोहा | Dohas:
राम प्रान प्रिय नाथ तुम्ह सत्य बचन मम तात।
पुनि पुनि मिलत भरत सुनि हरष न हृदयँ समात॥2 क॥
rāma prāna priya nātha tumha satya bacana mama tāta.
puni puni milata bharata suni haraṣa na hṛdayaom samāta..2ka..

“To Rama you are dear as life, my lord: take my words to be true, dear brother.” Hearing this, Bharata embraced Hanuman again and again with a joy which could not be contained in his heart.

सोरठा | Sorthas:
भरत चरन सिरु नाइ तुरित गयउ कपि राम पहिं।
कही कुसल सब जाइ हरषि चलेउ प्रभु जान चढ़ि॥2 ख॥
bharata carana siru nāi turita gayau kapi rāma pahiṃ.
kahī kusala saba jāi haraṣi calēu prabhu jāna caḍhai..2kha..
Bowing his head at Bharata’s feet, Hanuman forth with returned to Sri Rama and drawing close to Him told Him that all was well. The Lord then mounted His aerial car and joyfully proceeded (towards His destination).

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
हरषि भरत कोसलपुर आए। समाचार सब गुरहि सुनाए॥
पुनि मंदिर महँ बात जनाई। आवत नगर कुसल रघुराई॥1॥
haraṣi bharata kōsalapura āē. samācāra saba gurahi sunāē..
puni maṃdira mahaom bāta janāī. āvata nagara kusala raghurāī..
Bharata too returned with joy to Ayodhya and broke all the news to his preceptor (the sage Vasistha). He then made it known inside the palace that the Lord of the Raghus was approaching Ayodhya safe and sound.

सुनत सकल जननीं उठि धाईं। कहि प्रभु कुसल भरत समुझाईं॥
समाचार पुरबासिन्ह पाए। नर अरु नारि हरषि सब धाए॥2॥
sunata sakala jananīṃ uṭhi dhāīṃ. kahi prabhu kusala bharata samujhāī..
samācāra purabāsinha pāē. nara aru nāri haraṣi saba dhāē..
On hearing the news all the mothers started up and ran; but Bharata eased their mind by personally telling them of the Lord’s welfare. When the information reached the citizens, men and women all ran out in their joy (to meet their lord).

दधि दुर्बा रोचन फल फूला। नव तुलसी दल मंगल मूला॥
भरि भरि हेम थार भामिनी। गावत चलिं सिंधुरगामिनी॥3॥
dadhi durbā rōcana phala phūlā. nava tulasī dala maṃgala mūlā..
bhari bhari hēma thāra bhāminī. gāvata caliṃ siṃdhu siṃdhuragāminī..
With gold plates containing curds, Durva grass, the sacred yellow pigment known by the name of Gorocana, fruits and flowers and young leaves of the sacred Tulasi (basil) plant, the root of all blessings, ladies sallied forth with the stately gait of an elephant, singing as they went.

जे जैसेहिं तैसेहिं उठि धावहिं। बाल बृद्ध कहँ संग न लावहिं॥
एक एकन्ह कहँ बूझहिं भाई। तुम्ह देखे दयाल रघुराई॥4॥
jē jaisēhiṃ taisēhiṃ uṭi dhāvahiṃ. bāla bṛddha kahaom saṃga na lāvahiṃ..
ēka ēkanha kahaom būjhahiṃ bhāī. tumha dēkhē dayāla raghurāī..
All ran out just as they happened to be and did not take children or old folk with them. People asked one another: “Brother, did you see the gracious Lord of the Raghus?”

अवधपुरी प्रभु आवत जानी। भई सकल सोभा कै खानी॥
बहइ सुहावन त्रिबिध समीरा। भइ सरजू अति निर्मल नीरा॥5॥
avadhapurī prabhu āvata jānī. bhaī sakala sōbhā kai khānī..
bahai suhāvana tribidha samīrā. bhai sarajū ati nirmala nīrā..
Having come to know of the Lord’s advent, the city of Ayodhya became a mine of all beauty. A delightful breeze breathed soft, cool and fragrant. The Sarayu rolled down crystal clear water

दोहा | Dohas:
हरषित गुर परिजन अनुज भूसुर बृंद समेत।
चले भरत मन प्रेम अति सन्मुख कृपानिकेत॥3 क॥
haraṣita gura parijana anuja bhūsura bṛṃda samēta.
calē bharata mana prēma ati sanmukha kṛpānikēta..3ka..

Accompanied by his preceptor (the sage Vasistha) and kinsmen, his younger brother (Satrughna) and a host of Brahmanas, with a heart overflowing with affection, Bharata joyfully set forth to receive the All-merciful.

बहुतक चढ़ीं अटारिन्ह निरखहिं गगन बिमान।
देखि मधुर सुर हरषित करहिं सुमंगल गान॥3 ख॥
bahutaka caḍhaī aṭārinha nirakhahiṃ gagana bimāna.
dēkhi madhura sura haraṣita karahiṃ sumaṃgala gāna..3kha..
Many women, who had climbed up their attics, looked above for the aerial car in the sky. And the moment they espied it they began in their joy to sing festal songs in melodious strains.

राका ससि रघुपति पुर सिंधु देखि हरषान।
बढ़्‌यो कोलाहल करत जनु नारि तरंग समान॥3 ग॥
rākā sasi raghupati pura siṃdhu dēkhi haraṣāna.
baḍhayō kōlāhala karata janu nāri taraṃga samāna..3ga..
Just as the sight of the full moon brings joy to the ocean and swells it, the city of Ayodhya too joyfully rushed with a tumultuous noise to meet the Lord of the Raghus, the women of the city moving to and fro like so many waves.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
इहाँ भानुकुल कमल दिवाकर। कपिन्ह देखावत नगर मनोहर॥
सुनु कपीस अंगद लंकेसा। पावन पुरी रुचिर यह देसा॥1॥
ihāom bhānukula kamala divākara. kapinha dēkhāvata nagara manōhara..
sunu kapīsa aṃgada laṃkēsā. pāvana purī rucira yaha dēsā..
At the other end Sri Rama, who brought delight to the solar race as the sun to the lotus, was busy showing the charming city to the monkeys. “Listen, Sugriva (lord of the monkeys), Angada and Vibhisana (lord of Lanka), holy is this city and beautiful this land.

जद्यपि सब बैकुंठ बखाना। बेद पुरान बिदित जगु जाना॥
अवधपुरी सम प्रिय नहिं सोऊ। यह प्रसंग जानइ कोउ कोऊ॥2॥
jadyapi saba baikuṃṭha bakhānā. bēda purāna bidita jagu jānā..
avadhapurī sama priya nahiṃ sōū. yaha prasaṃga jānai kōu kōū..
Although all have extolled Vaikuntha (My divine Abode), which is familiar to the Vedas and the Puranas and known throughout the world, it is not so dear to Me as the city of Ayodhya: only some rare soul knows this secret.

जन्मभूमि मम पुरी सुहावनि। उत्तर दिसि बह सरजू पावनि॥
जा मज्जन ते बिनहिं प्रयासा। मम समीप नर पावहिं बासा॥3॥
janmabhūmi mama purī suhāvani. uttara disi baha sarajū pāvani..
jā majjana tē binahiṃ prayāsā. mama samīpa nara pāvahiṃ bāsā..
This beautiful city is My birthplace; to the north of it flows the holy Sarayu, by bathing in which men secure a home near Me without any difficulty.

अति प्रिय मोहि इहाँ के बासी। मम धामदा पुरी सुख रासी॥
हरषे सब कपि सुनि प्रभु बानी। धन्य अवध जो राम बखानी॥4॥
ati priya mōhi ihāom kē bāsī. mama dhāmadā purī sukha rāsī..
haraṣē saba kapi suni prabhu bānī. dhanya avadha jō rāma bakhānī..
The dwellers here are very dear to Me; the city is not only full of bliss itself but bestows a residence in My divine Abode.” The monkeys were all delighted to hear these words of the Lord and said, “Blessed indeed is Ayodhya, that has evoked praise from Sri Rama Himself !”

दोहा | Dohas:
आवत देखि लोग सब कृपासिंधु भगवान।
नगर निकट प्रभु प्रेरेउ उतरेउ भूमि बिमान॥4 क॥
āvata dēkhi lōga saba kṛpāsiṃdhu bhagavāna.
nagara nikaṭa prabhu prērēu utarēu bhūmi bimāna..4ka..
When the All-merciful Lord saw all the people coming out to meet Him, He urged on the aerial car to halt near the city and so it came down to the ground.

उतरि कहेउ प्रभु पुष्पकहि तुम्ह कुबेर पहिं जाहु।
प्रेरित राम चलेउ सो हरषु बिरहु अति ताहु॥4 ख॥
utari kahēu prabhu puṣpakahi tumha kubēra pahiṃ jāhu.
prērita rāma calēu sō haraṣu birahu ati tāhu..4kha..
On alighting from the car, the Lord said to the Puspaka, “You now return to Kubera.” Thus enjoined by Sri Rama, the aerial car, departed, full of joy and deep agony at parting.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
आए भरत संग सब लोगा। कृस तन श्रीरघुबीर बियोगा॥
बामदेव बसिष्ट मुनिनायक। देखे प्रभु महि धरि धनु सायक॥1॥
āē bharata saṃga saba lōgā. kṛsa tana śrīraghubīra biyōgā..
bāmadēva basiṣṭha munināyaka. dēkhē prabhu mahi dhari dhanu sāyaka..
Alongwith Bharata came all the other people, emaciated in body because of their separation from the Hero of Raghu’s line. When the Lord saw the great sages Vamadeva, Vasistha and others, He dropped His bow and arrows on the ground and

धाइ धरे गुर चरन सरोरुह। अनुज सहित अति पुलक तनोरुह॥
भेंटि कुसल बूझी मुनिराया। हमरें कुसल तुम्हारिहिं दाया॥2॥
dhāi dharē gura carana sarōruha. anuja sahita ati pulaka tanōruha..
bhēṃṭi kusala būjhī munirāyā. hamarēṃ kusala tumhārihiṃ dāyā..
ran with His brother (Laksmana) to clasp His preceptor’s lotus-feet with every hair on their body erect. Vasistha (the chief of the sages) embraced them (in return) and enquired after their welfare.

सकल द्विजन्ह मिलि नायउ माथा। धर्म धुरंधर रघुकुलनाथा॥
गहे भरत पुनि प्रभु पद पंकज। नमत जिन्हहि सुर मुनि संकर अज॥3॥
sakala dvijanha mili nāyau māthā. dharma dhuraṃdhara raghukulanāthā..
gahē bharata puni prabhu pada paṃkaja. namata jinhahi sura muni saṃkara aja..

Sri Rama replied, “It is in your grace alone that our welfare lies.” The Lord of Raghu’s race, the champion of righteousness, now met all the other Brahmanas and bowed His head to them. Then Bharata clasped the Lord’s lotus-feet, which are adored by gods and sages, Sankara and Brahma not excepted.

परे भूमि नहिं उठत उठाए। बर करि कृपासिंधु उर लाए॥
स्यामल गात रोम भए ठाढ़े। नव राजीव नयन जल बाढ़े॥4॥
parē bhūmi nahiṃ uṭhata uṭhāē. bara kari kṛpāsiṃdhu ura lāē..
syāmala gāta rōma bhaē ṭhāḍhaē. nava rājīva nayana jala bāḍhaē..
He lay prostrate on the ground and would not rise even though being lifted up, till at last the All-merciful forcibly took and pressed him to His bosom. Every hair on His swarthy form stood erect and His lotus eyes were flooded with tears.

छंद | Chhand :
राजीव लोचन स्रवत जल तन ललित पुलकावलि बनी।
अति प्रेम हृदयँ लगाइ अनुजहि मिले प्रभु त्रिभुअन धनी॥
प्रभु मिलत अनुजहि सोह मो पहिं जाति नहिं उपमा कही।
जनु प्रेम अरु सिंगार तनु धरि मिले बर सुषमा लही॥1॥
rājīva lōcana stravata jala tana lalita pulakāvali banī.
ati prēma hṛdayaom lagāi anujahi milē prabhu tribhuana dhanī..
prabhu milata anujahi sōha mō pahiṃ jāti nahiṃ upamā kahī.
janu prēma aru siṃgāra tanu dhari milē bara suṣamā lahī..1..

His lotus eyes streamed with tears, while bristling hair served to adorn His comely person as Lord Sri Rama, the sovereign of the three spheres, clasped Bharata to His bosom with utmost affection. I find no parallel by which I may illustrate the beauty of the Lord’s meeting with his younger brother: it seemed as though the Erotic sentiment and affection had met together in exquisite bodily form.

बूझत कृपानिधि कुसल भरतहि बचन बेगि न आवई॥
सुनु सिवा सो सुख बचन मन ते भिन्न जान जो पावई॥
अब कुसल कौसलनाथ आरत जानि जन दरसन दियो।
बूड़त बिरह बारीस कृपानिधान मोहि कर गहि लियो॥2॥
būjhata kṛpānidhi kusala bharatahi bacana bēgi na āvaī.
sunu sivā sō sukha bacana mana tē bhinna jāna jō pāvaī..
aba kusala kausalanātha ārata jāni jana darasana diyō.
būḍata biraha bārīsa kṛpānidhāna mōhi kara gahi liyō..2..

The All-merciful enquired after Bharata’s welfare; but words did not readily come to his help. Listen, Siva: (continues Lord Siva,) the bliss (which Bharata enjoyed at the moment) was beyond one’s speech and mind; it is known only to those who feel it. “All is now well with me, since the All-merciful Lord of Kosala has blessed me with His sight, realizing the distress of His servant, and taken me by the hand just when I was sinking in the ocean of desolation.

दोहा | Dohas:
पुनि प्रभु हरषि सत्रुहन भेंटे हृदयँ लगाइ।
लछिमन भरत मिले तब परम प्रेम दोउ भाइ॥5॥
puni prabhu haraṣi satruhana bhēṃṭē hṛdayaom lagāi.
lachimana bharata milē taba parama prēma dōu bhāi..5..

The Lord then gladly met Satrughna and pressed him to His bosom. Next came the turn of Laksmana and Bharata and the two brothers embraced each other with utmost affection.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
भरतानुज लछिमन पुनि भेंटे। दुसह बिरह संभव दुख मेटे॥
सीता चरन भरत सिरु नावा। अनुज समेत परम सुख पावा॥1॥
bharatānuja lachimana puni bhēṃṭē. dusaha biraha saṃbhava dukha mēṭē..
sītā carana bharata siru nāvā. anuja samēta parama sukha pāvā..

Then Laksmana embraced Satrughna (Bharata’s younger brother) and thus relieved each other of the terrible agony of separation. Bharata and Satrughna bowed their head at Sita’s feet and felt supreme delight.

प्रभु बिलोकि हरषे पुरबासी। जनित बियोग बिपति सब नासी॥
प्रेमातुर सब लोग निहारी। कौतुक कीन्ह कृपाल खरारी॥2॥
prabhu bilōki haraṣē purabāsī. janita biyōga bipati saba nāsī..
prēmātura saba lōga nihārī. kautuka kīnha kṛpāla kharārī..

The citizens were transported with joy at the sight of the Lord. All the woes begotten of their separation from the Lord now ended. Seeing all the people impatient in thier love to meet the Lord, the All-merciful Slayer of Khara wrought a miracle.

अमित रूप प्रगटे तेहि काला। जथाजोग मिले सबहि कृपाला॥
कृपादृष्टि रघुबीर बिलोकी। किए सकल नर नारि बिसोकी॥3॥
amita rūpa pragaṭē tēhi kālā. jathājōga milē sabahi kṛpālā..
kṛpādṛṣṭi raghubīra bilōkī. kiē sakala nara nāri bisōkī..
He forthwith appeared in countless forms and in this way the gracious Lord met everybody in an appropriate manner. The Hero of Raghu’s line rid all men and women of their sorrow by casting His benign look on them.

छन महिं सबहि मिले भगवाना। उमा मरम यह काहुँ न जाना॥
एहि बिधि सबहि सुखी करि रामा। आगें चले सील गुन धामा॥4॥
chana mahiṃ sabahi milē bhagavānā. umā marama yaha kāhuom na jānā..
ēhi bidhi sabahi sukhī kari rāmā. āgēṃ calē sīla guna dhāmā..
In a moment the Lord greeted them all; Uma, this was a mystery which none could comprehend. Having thus gratified all, Sri Rama, who was a repository of amiability and goodness, proceeded further.

कौसल्यादि मातु सब धाई। निरखि बच्छ जनु धेनु लवाई॥5॥
kausalyādi mātu saba dhāī. nirakhi baccha janu dhēnu lavāī..

Kausalya and the other mothers all ran out to meet Him, even as a cow that has lately calved would run at the sight of its little one.

छंद | Chhand :
जनु धेनु बालक बच्छ तजि गृहँ चरन बन परबस गईं।
दिन अंत पुर रुख स्रवत थन हुंकार करि धावत भईं॥
अति प्रेम प्रभु सब मातु भेटीं बचन मृदु बहुबिधि कहे।
गइ बिषम बिपति बियोगभव तिन्ह हरष सुख अगनित लहे॥
janu dhēnu bālaka baccha taji gṛhaom carana bana parabasa gaīṃ.
dina aṃta pura rukha stravata thana huṃkāra kari dhāvata bhaī..
ati prēma saba mātu bhēṭīṃ bacana mṛdu bahubidhi kahē.
gai biṣama biyōga bhava tinha haraṣa sukha aganita lahē..

It seemed as though cows that had recently calved and had been forced to go out to the woods for grazing, leaving their little ones at home, had at the close of day rushed forth lowing towards the village with dripping teats.

The Lord met all the mothers with utmost affection and spoke many a soft words to them. In this way the dire calamity that had come upon them as a result of separation from Sri Rama came to an end and they derived infinite joy and gratification.

दोहा | Dohas:
भेंटेउ तनय सुमित्राँ राम चरन रति जानि।
रामहि मिलत कैकई हृदयँ बहुत सकुचानि॥6 क॥
bhēṭēu tanaya sumitrāom rāma carana rati jāni.
rāmahi milata kaikēī hṛdayaom bahuta sakucāni..6ka..

Sumitra embraced her son (Laksmana) remembering how devoted he was to Sri Rama’s feet. As for Kaikeyi, she felt very uncomfortable at heart while embracing Sri Rama.

लछिमन सब मातन्ह मिलि हरषे आसिष पाइ।
कैकइ कहँ पुनि पुनि मिले मन कर छोभु न जाइ॥6 ख॥
lachimana saba mātanha mili haraṣē āsiṣa pāi.
kaikēi kahaom puni puni milē mana kara chōbhu na jāi..6..

Laksmana too embraced all his mothers and was delighted to receive their blessings. But even though he met Kaikeyi again and again, his bitterness of feeling towards her did not leave him.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
सासुन्ह सबनि मिली बैदेही । चरनन्हि लाग हरषु अति तेही॥
देहिं असीस बूझि कुसलाता। होइ अचल तुम्हार अहिवाता॥1॥
sāsunha sabani milī baidēhī. carananhi lāgi haraṣu ati tēhī..
dēhiṃ asīsa būjhi kusalātā. hōi acala tumhāra ahivātā..

Videha’s Daughter (Sita) greeted all Her mothers-in-law and was transported with joy as She clasped their feet. They enquired after Her welfare and blessed Her : “May your married life be happy forever.”

सब रघुपति मुख कमल बिलोकहिं। मंगल जानि नयन जल रोकहिं॥
कनक थार आरती उतारहिं। बार बार प्रभु गात निहारहिं॥2॥
saba raghupati mukha kamala bilōkahiṃ. maṃgala jāni nayana jala rōkahiṃ..
kanaka thāra ārati utārahiṃ. bāra bāra prabhu gāta nihārahiṃ..

All gazed upon the lotus face of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) and, remembering that it was an occasion for rejoicing, checked the tears that rose in their eyes. Burning festal lights in gold plates they waved them above Sri Rama’s head (in order to ward off evil forces) and again and again contemplated the Lord’s person.

नाना भाँति निछावरि करहीं। परमानंद हरष उर भरहीं॥
कौसल्या पुनि पुनि रघुबीरहि। चितवति कृपासिंधु रनधीरहि॥3॥
nānā bhāomti nichāvari karahīṃ. paramānaṃda haraṣa ura bharahīṃ..
kausalyā puni puni raghubīrahi. citavati kṛpāsiṃdhu ranadhīrahi..

They scattered every kind of offering about Him (in order to avert an evil eye), their heart full of supreme felicity and jubilation. Again and again did Kausalya gaze upon the Hero of Raghu’s line, who was an ocean of compassion and an irresistible warrior,

हृदयँ बिचारति बारहिं बारा। कवन भाँति लंकापति मारा॥
अति सुकुमार जुगल मेरे बारे। निसिचर सुभट महाबल भारे॥4॥
hṛdayaom bicārati bārahiṃ bārā. kavana bhāomti laṃkāpati mārā..
ati sukumāra jugala mērē bārē. nisicara subhaṭa mahābala bhārē..

(Mother Kausalya) each time pondering within herself : “How can he have killed the lord of Lanka? Too delicate of body are my two boys, while the demons were great champions of extraordinary might !”

दोहा | Dohas:
लछिमन अरु सीता सहित प्रभुहि बिलोकति मातु।
परमानंद मगन मन पुनि पुनि पुलकित गातु॥7॥
lachimana aru sītā sahita prabhuhi bilōkati mātu.
paramānaṃda magana mana puni puni pulakita gātu..7..
As the mother (Kausalya) looked upon the Lord with Laksmana and Sita, her soul was overwhelmed with supreme felicity and the hair on her body bristled up again and again.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
लंकापति कपीस नल नीला। जामवंत अंगद सुभसीला॥
हनुमदादि सब बानर बीरा। धरे मनोहर मनुज सरीरा॥1॥
laṃkāpati kapīsa nala nīlā. jāmavaṃta aṃgada subhasīlā..
hanumadādi saba bānara bīrā. dharē manōhara manuja sarīrā..

Vibhisana (the king of Lanka), Sugriva (the lord of the monkeys), Nala, Nila, Jambavan, Angada, Hanuman and the other monkey heroes, who were all of a virtuous disposition, had assumed charming human forms.

भरत सनेह सील ब्रत नेमा। सादर सब बरनहिं अति प्रेमा॥
देखि नगरबासिन्ह कै रीती। सकल सराहहिं प्रभु पद प्रीती॥2॥
bharata sanēha sīla brata nēmā. sādara saba baranahiṃ ati prēmā..
dēkhi nagarabāsinha kai rītī. sakala sarāhahi prabhu pada prītī..
With great reverence and love all applauded Bharata’s affection, amiability, austerities and discipline. When they saw the citizens’ mode of life, they all extolled their devotion to the Lord’s feet.

पुनि रघुपति सब सखा बोलाए। मुनि पद लागहु सकल सिखाए॥
गुर बसिष्ट कुलपूज्य हमारे। इन्ह की कृपाँ दनुज रन मारे॥3॥
puni raghupati saba sakhā bōlāē. muni pada lāgahu sakala sikhāē..
gura basiṣṭa kulapūjya hamārē. inha kī kṛpāom danuja rana mārē..
Then the Lord of the Raghus summoned all His comrades and exhorted them: “Clasp the feet of My Guru, the sage Vasistha, who is worthy of adoration to our whole race. It was by his grace that all the demons were slain in battle.”

ए सब सखा सुनहु मुनि मेरे। भए समर सागर कहँ बेरे॥
मम हित लागि जन्म इन्ह हारे। भरतहु ते मोहि अधिक पिआरे॥4॥
ē saba sakhā sunahu muni mērē. bhaē samara sāgara kahaom bērē..
mama hita lāgi janma inha hārē. bharatahu tē mōhi adhika piārē..
“(Ram turning to the sage) Listen, holy Sir : all these My comrades proved as so many barks in taking Me across the ocean of the battle. They staked their life in My cause: they are dearer to Me even than Bharata.”

सुनि प्रभु बचन मगन सब भए। निमिष निमिष उपजत सुख नए॥5॥
suni prabhu bacana magana saba bhaē. nimiṣa nimiṣa upajata sukha naē..
They were all enraptured to hear the Lord’s word; every moment that passed gave birth to some new joy.

दोहा | Dohas:
कौसल्या के चरनन्हि पुनि तिन्ह नायउ माथ।
आसिष दीन्हे हरषि तुम्ह प्रिय मम जिमि रघुनाथ॥8 क॥
kausalyā kē carananhi puni tinha nāyau mātha..
āsiṣa dīnhē haraṣi tumha priya mama jimi raghunātha..8ka..
Then they bowed their heads at Kausalya’s feet, who rejoiced to give them her blessing, adding : “You are as dear to me as the Lord of the Raghus.”

सुमन बृष्टि नभ संकुल भवन चले सुखकंद।
चढ़ी अटारिन्ह देखहिं नगर नारि नर बृंद॥8 ख॥
sumana bṛṣṭi nabha saṃkula bhavana calē sukhakaṃda.
caḍhaī aṭārinha dēkhahiṃ nagara nāri nara bṛṃda..8kha..
The sky was obscured with the showers of flowers as the Fountain of joy took His way to the palace. Throngs of men and women of the city mounted the attics to have a look at the Lord.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
कंचन कलस बिचित्र सँवारे। सबहिं धरे सजि निज निज द्वारे॥
बंदनवार पताका केतू। सबन्हि बनाए मंगल हेतू॥1॥
kaṃcana kalasa bicitra saomvārē. sabahiṃ dharē saji nija nija dvārē..
baṃdanavāra patākā kētū. sabanhi banāē maṃgala hētū..

All the people placed at their door vases of gold picturesquely decorated and equipped with necessary articles. Everyone prepared and set festoons, flags and buntings, all to make a glad show.

बीथीं सकल सुगंध सिंचाई। गजमनि रचि बहु चौक पुराईं।
नाना भाँति सुमंगल साजे। हरषि नगर निसान बहु बाजे॥2॥
bīthīṃ sakala sugaṃdha siṃcāī. gajamani raci bahu cauka purāī..
nānā bhāomti sumaṃgala sājē. haraṣi nagara nisāna bahu bājē..

All the streets were sprinkled with perfumes and scented water and a number of mystic squares were drawn and filled in with pearls found in the projections of an elephant’s forehead. Every kind of festive preparation was taken in hand; the city was en fete and a large number of kettledrums sounded all at once.

जहँ तहँ नारि निछावरि करहीं। देहिं असीस हरष उर भरहीं॥
कंचन थार आरतीं नाना। जुबतीं सजें करहिं सुभ गाना॥3॥ `
jahaom tahaom nāri nichāvara karahīṃ. dēhiṃ asīsa haraṣa ura bharahīṃ..
kaṃcana thāra āratī nānā. jubatī sajēṃ karahiṃ subha gānā..
Ladies scattered their offerings about the Lord wherever He went, and invoked blessing on Him with their hearts full of joy. Bevies of young women sang festal songs, while gold plates provided with lights were ready at hand, which they waved about the Lord,

करहिं आरती आरतिहर कें। रघुकुल कमल बिपिन दिनकर कें॥
पुर सोभा संपति कल्याना। निगम सेष सारदा बखाना॥4॥
karahiṃ āratī āratihara kēṃ. raghukula kamala bipina dinakara kēṃ..
pura sōbhā saṃpati kalyānā. nigama sēṣa sāradā bakhānā..

who is the Reliever of all agony and brought delight to Raghu’s race even as the sun delights a bed of lotuses. The splendour, the wealth and the good fortune of the city have been extolled by the Vedas, Sesa (the serpent-god) and Sarada (the goddess of speech and learning).

तेउ यह चरित देखि ठगि रहहीं। उमा तासु गुन नर किमि कहहीं॥5॥
tēu yaha carita dēkhi ṭhagi rahahīṃ. umā tāsu guna nara kimi kahahīṃ..
But they too were dazed to see this spectacle. Uma, (continues Lord Siva,) how, then, can any mortal recount His virtues?

दोहा | Dohas:
नारि कुमुदिनीं अवध सर रघुपति बिरह दिनेस।
अस्त भएँ बिगसत भईं निरखि राम राकेस॥9 क॥
nāri kumudinīṃ avadha sara raghupati biraha dinēsa.
asta bhaēom bigasata bhaīṃ nirakhi rāma rākēsa..9ka..
The women, who were like water-lilies growing in the lake of Ayodhya and had been withered by the sun in the form of separation from the Lord of the Raghus, blossomed again at the sight of Sri Rama, who resembled the full moon, the sun of separation having now set.

होहिं सगुन सुभ बिबिधि बिधि बाजहिं गगन निसान।
पुर नर नारि सनाथ करि भवन चले भगवान। 9 ख॥
hōhiṃ saguna subha bibidha bidhi bājahiṃ gagana nisāna.
pura nara nāri sanātha kari bhavana calē bhagavāna..9kha..

Auspicious omens of every description occurred and kettledrums sounded in the sky as the Lord proceeded to the palace after blessing the men and women of the city with His sight.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 प्रभु जानी कैकई लजानी। प्रथम तासु गृह गए भवानी॥
ताहि प्रबोधि बहुत सुख दीन्हा। पुनि निज भवन गवन हरि कीन्हा॥1॥

prabhu jānī kaikēī lajānī. prathama tāsu gṛha gaē bhavānī..
tāhi prabōdhi bahuta sukha dīnhā. puni nija bhavana gavana hari kīnhā..

Bhavani, (continues Lord Siva,) the Lord came to know that Kaikeyi was ashamed and went first to her palace. After reassuring and gratifying her much Sri Hari (Sri Rama) then moved to His own palace.

 कृपासिंधु जब मंदिर गए। पुर नर नारि सुखी सब भए॥
गुर बसिष्ट द्विज लिए बुलाई। आजु सुघरी सुदिन समुदाई।2॥

saba dvija dēhu haraṣi anusāsana. rāmacaṃdra baiṭhahiṃ siṃghāsana..
muni basiṣṭa kē bacana suhāē. sunata sakala bipranha ati bhāē..

When the All-merciful entered the palace, every man and woman of the city felt gratified. The preceptor, Vasistha called the Brahmanas and said to them, “The day and the hour, nay, all the other factors are favourable today.

 सब द्विज देहु हरषि अनुसासन। रामचंद्र बैठहिं सिंघासन॥
मुनि बसिष्ट के बचन सुहाए। सुनत सकल बिप्रन्ह अति भाए॥3॥

saba dvija dēhu haraṣi anusāsana. rāmacaṃdra baiṭhahiṃ siṃghāsana..
muni basiṣṭa kē bacana suhāē. sunata sakala bipranha ati bhāē..

Therefore, all of you, Brahmanas, be pleased to order that Sri Ramacandra may occupy the royal throne.” On hearing the agreeable words of the sage Vasistha all the Brahmanas warmly welcomed them.

 कहहिं बचन मृदु बिप्र अनेका। जग अभिराम राम अभिषेका॥
अब मुनिबर बिलंब नहिं कीजै। महाराज कहँ तिलक करीजै॥4॥

kahahiṃ bacana mṛdu bipra anēkā. jaga abhirāma rāma abhiṣēkā..
aba munibara bilaṃba nahiṃ kījē. mahārāja kahaom tilaka karījai..

Many of the Brahmanas spoke in endearing terms, “Sri Rama’s coronation will bring delight to the whole world. Delay no more, O good sage, but apply the sacred mark on the forehead of His Majesty as a token of sovereignty.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 तब मुनि कहेउ सुमंत्र सन सुनत चलेउ हरषाइ।
रथ अनेक बहु बाजि गज तुरत सँवारे जाइ॥10 क॥

taba muni kahēu sumaṃtra sana sunata calēu haraṣāi.
ratha anēka bahu bāji gaja turata saomvārē jāi..10ka..

The sage thereupon instructed Sumantra, who, as soon as he received the order, merrily proceeded and forthwith got ready a number of chariots and numerous horses and elephants.

 जहँ तहँ धावन पठइ पुनि मंगल द्रब्य मगाइ।
हरष समेत बसिष्ट पद पुनि सिरु नायउ आइ॥10 ख॥

jahaom tahaom dhāvana paṭhai puni maṃgala drabya magāi.
haraṣa samēta basiṣṭa pada puni siru nāyau āi..10kha..

Despatching messengers here and there he sent for articles of good omen; then gladly returning to Vasistha, he bowed his head at his feet.

नवाह्नपारायण, आठवाँ विश्राम

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 अवधपुरी अति रुचिर बनाई। देवन्ह सुमन बृष्टि झरि लाई॥
राम कहा सेवकन्ह बुलाई। प्रथम सखन्ह अन्हवावहु जाई॥1॥

avadhapurī ati rucira banāī. dēvanha sumana bṛṣṭi jhari lāī..
rāma kahā sēvakanha bulāī. prathama sakhanha anhavāvahu jāī..

The city of Ayodhya was most tastefully decorated and the gods rained down a continuous shower of flowers. Sri Rama called His servants and said, “Go and first arrange a bath for my comrades.”

 सुनत बचन जहँ तहँ जन धाए। सुग्रीवादि तुरत अन्हवाए॥
पुनि करुनानिधि भरतु हँकारे। निज कर राम जटा निरुआरे॥2॥

sunata bacana jahaom tahaom jana dhāē. sugrīvādi turata anhavāē..
puni karunānidhi bharatu haomkārē. nija kara rāma jaṭā niruārē..

The moment they heard the command the servants ran in all promptness and quickly bathed Sugriva and the rest. The All-merciful Rama next called Bharata and disentangled his matted hair with His own hands.

 अन्हवाए प्रभु तीनिउ भाई। भगत बछल कृपाल रघुराई॥
भरत भाग्य प्रभु कोमलताई। सेष कोटि सत सकहिं न गाई॥3॥

anhavāē prabhu tīniu bhāī. bhagata bachala kṛpāla raghurāī..
bharata bhāgya prabhu kōmalatāī. sēṣa kōṭi sata sakahiṃ na gāī..

The gracious and almighty Lord of the Raghus, who is so fond of His devotees, now bathed all His three brothers. The blessedness of Bharata and the Lord’s tenderness were both more than countless Sesas could sing.

 पुनि निज जटा राम बिबराए। गुर अनुसासन मागि नहाए॥
करि मज्जन प्रभु भूषन साजे। अंग अनंग देखि सत लाजे॥4॥

puni nija jaṭā rāma bibarāē. gura anusāsana māgi nahāē..
kari majjana prabhu bhūṣana sājē. aṃga anaṃga dēkhi sata lājē..

Then Sri Rama disentangled His own matted hair, and after obtaining the Guru’s permission bathed Himself. Having finished His ablutions, the Lord decked Himself with jewels; the beauty of His person put to shame hundreds of Cupids.

दोहा | Dohas:

 सासुन्ह सादर जानकिहि मज्जन तुरत कराइ।
दिब्य बसन बर भूषन अँग अँग सजे बनाइ॥11 क॥

sāsunha sādara jānakihi majjana turata karāi.
dibya basana bara bhūṣana aomga aomga sajē banāi..11ka..

(In the gynaeceum) the mothers-in-law immediately bathed Janaka’s Daughter with all tenderness and carefully attired her in heavenly robes with rich jewels for every part of Her body.

 राम बाम दिसि सोभति रमा रूप गुन खानि।
देखि मातु सब हरषीं जन्म सुफल निज जानि॥11 ख॥

rāma bāma disi sōbhati ramā rūpa guna khāni.
dēkhi mātu saba haraṣīṃ janma suphala nija jāni..11kha..

On Sri Rama’s left side shone forth Rama (Laksmi) Herself, a mine of beauty and goodness. The mothers were all delighted at the sight and accounted their life as fully rewarded.

सुनु खगेस तेहि अवसर ब्रह्मा सिव मुनि बृंद।
चढ़ि बिमान आए सब सुर देखन सुखकंद॥11 ग॥

sunu khagēsa tēhi avasara brahmā siva muni bṛṃda.
caḍhai bimāna āē saba sura dēkhana sukhakaṃda..11ga..

Listen, O king of the birds: (continues Kakabhusundi) on that occasion Brahma (the Creator), Lord Siva and multitudes of sages came to see the Fountain of joy and so did all the gods, mounted on their aerial cars.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 प्रभु बिलोकि मुनि मन अनुरागा। तुरत दिब्य सिंघासन मागा॥
रबि सम तेज सो बरनि न जाई। बैठे राम द्विजन्ह सिरु नाई॥1॥

prabhu bilōki muni mana anurāgā. turata dibya siṃghāsana māgā..
rabi sama tēja sō barani na jāī. baiṭhē rāma dvijanha siru nāī..

The soul of the sage (Vasistha) was enraptured as he gazed upon the Lord; he sent at once for a heavenly throne, which was effulgent as the sun and defied all description. Bowing His head to the Brahmanas, Sri Rama took His seat thereon.

 जनकसुता समेत रघुराई। पेखि प्रहरषे मुनि समुदाई॥
बेद मंत्र तब द्विजन्ह उचारे। नभ सुर मुनि जय जयति पुकारे॥2॥

janakasutā samēta raghurāī. pēkhi praharaṣē muni samudāī..
bēda maṃtra taba dvijanha ucārē. nabha sura muni jaya jayati pukārē..

The whole host of sages was overjoyed as they looked upon the Lord of the Raghus alongwith Janaka’s Daughter. Then the Brahmanas recited the Vedic hymns, while in the heavens above the gods and sage shouted, “Victory! Victory!”

 प्रथम तिलक बसिष्ट मुनि कीन्हा। पुनि सब बिप्रन्ह आयसु दीन्हा॥
सुत बिलोकि हरषीं महतारी। बार बार आरती उतारी॥3॥

prathama tilaka basiṣṭa muni kīnhā. puni saba bipranha āyasu dīnhā..
suta bilōki haraṣīṃ mahatārī. bāra bāra āratī utārī..

The sage Vasistha first of all applied the sacred mark himself and then he directed all the other Brahmanas to do likewise. The mothers were transported with joy at the sight of their son and waved lights above His head again and again.

 बिप्रन्ह दान बिबिधि बिधि दीन्हे। जाचक सकल अजाचक कीन्हे॥
सिंघासन पर त्रिभुअन साईं। देखि सुरन्ह दुंदुभीं बजाईं॥4॥

bipranha dāna bibidha bidhi dīnhē. jācaka sakala ajācaka kīnhē..
siṃghāsana para tribhuana sāī. dēkhi suranha duṃdubhīṃ bajāīṃ..

They bestowed a variety of gifts on the Brahmanas and gave the beggars so much that they begged no more. Perceiving the lord of all the three spheres seated on the throne of Ayodhya the gods sounded their kettledrums.

छंद :

 नभ दुंदुभीं बाजहिं बिपुल गंधर्ब किंनर गावहीं।
नाचहिं अपछरा बृंद परमानंद सुर मुनि पावहीं॥

nabha duṃdubhīṃ bājahiṃ bipula gaṃdharba kiṃnara gāvahīṃ.
nācahiṃ apacharā bṛṃda paramānaṃda sura muni pāvahīṃ..

A large number of kettledrums sounded in the heavens above; the Gandharvas and Kinnaras (the celestial musicians) sang and heavenly nymphs danced to the supreme delight of the gods and sages.

भरतादि अनुज बिभीषनांगद हनुमदादि समेत ते।
गहें छत्र चामर ब्यजन धनु असिचर्म सक्ति बिराजते॥1॥

bharatādi anuja bibhīṣanāṃgada hanumadādi samēta tē.
gahēṃ chatra cāmara byajana dhanu asi carma sakti birājatē..1..

Bharata, Laksmana and Satrughna with Vibhisana, Angada, Hanuman and the rest shone forth beside the Lord each holding severally the royal umbrella, chowrie, fan, bow, sword with shield and spear.

 श्री सहित दिनकर बंस भूषन काम बहु छबि सोहई।
नव अंबुधर बर गात अंबर पीत सुर मन मोहई॥

śrī sahita dinakara baṃsa būṣana kāma bahu chabi sōhaī.
nava aṃbudhara bara gāta aṃbara pīta sura mana mōhaī..

With Laksmi (Sita) by His side the Jewel of the solar race shone forth with the beauty of a myriad Cupids. His exquisite form, possessing the hue of a fresh rain-cloud, clad in yellow robes, enchanted the soul of gods.

मुकुटांगदादि बिचित्र भूषन अंग अंगन्हि प्रति सजे।
अंभोज नयन बिसाल उर भुज धन्य नर निरखंति जे॥2॥

mukuṭāṃgadādi bicitra bhūṣana aṃga aṃganhi prati sajē.
aṃbhōja nayana bisāla ura bhuja dhanya nara nirakhaṃti jē..2..

A diadem, armlets and other marvellous ornaments adorned the various parts of His body; He had lotus-like eyes and a broad chest and long arms. Blessed indeed are those men who behold such a form.

दोहा | Dohas:

वह सोभा समाज सुख कहत न बनइ खगेस।
बरनहिं सारद सेष श्रुति सो रस जान महेस॥12 क॥

vaha sōbhā samāja sukha kahata na banai khagēsa.
baranahiṃ sārada sēṣa śruti sō rasa jāna mahēsa..12ka..

O king of the birds, (continues Kakabhusundi), the beauty of the sight, the uniqueness of the assembly and the delight of the occasion each defied description. Sarada (the goddess of learning), Sesa (the thousand-headed serpent-god) and the Vedas ever describe them; while their sapor is known to the great Lord Siva alone.

भिन्न भिन्न अस्तुति करि गए सुर निज निज धाम।
बंदी बेष बेद तब आए जहँ श्रीराम॥12 ख॥

bhinna bhinna astuti kari gaē sura nija nija dhāma.
baṃdī bēṣa bēda taba āē jahaom śrīrāma.. 12kha..

Having severally hymned the Lord’s praises the gods returned each to his own abode. Then came the Vedas, in the disguise of bards, into the presence of Sri Rama.

प्रभु सर्बग्य कीन्ह अति आदर कृपानिधान।
लखेउ न काहूँ मरम कछु लगे करन गुन गान॥12 ग॥

prabhu sarbagya kīnha ati ādara kṛpānidhāna.
lakhēu na kāhūom marama kachu lagē karana guna gāna..12ga..

The omniscient and All-merciful Lord received them with great honour, though no else could penetrate into the mystery; and the bards began to recite His praises:-

छंद :

 जय सगुन निर्गुन रूप रूप अनूप भूप सिरोमने।
दसकंधरादि प्रचंड निसिचर प्रबल खल भुज बल हने॥
अवतार नर संसार भार बिभंजि दारुन दुख दहे।
जय प्रनतपाल दयाल प्रभु संजुक्त सक्ति नमामहे॥1॥

jaya saguna nirguna rūpa anūpa bhūpa sirōmanē.
dasakaṃdharādi pracaṃḍa nisicara prabala khala bhuja bala hanē..
avatāra nara saṃsāra bhāra bibhaṃji dāruna dukha dahē.
jaya pranatapāla dayāla prabhu saṃjukta sakti namāmahē..1..

“Hail, Crest-Jewel of kings, incomparable is your beauty; though transcending Maya and her attributes, you possess innumerable divine attributes. You killed by the might of Your arm fierce, mighty and wicked demons like the ten-headed Ravana. Appearing in human garb, you crushed the armies that constituted the Earth’s burden and ended her terrible woes. Hail, merciful Lord, Protector of the suppliant ! We adore you with Your Spouse (Sita Ji).

तव बिषम माया बस सुरासुर नाग नर अग जग हरे।
भव पंथ भ्रमत अमित दिवस निसि काल कर्म गुननि भरे॥
जे नाथ करि करुना बिलोकि त्रिबिधि दुख ते निर्बहे।
भव खेद छेदन दच्छ हम कहुँ रच्छ राम नमामहे॥2॥

tava biṣama māyā basa surāsura nāga nara aga jaga harē.
bhava paṃtha bhramata amita divasa nisi kāla karma gunani bharē..
jē nātha kari karunā bilōkē tribidhi dukha tē nirbahē.
bhava khēda chēdana daccha hama kahuom raccha rāma namāmahē..2..

Subject to Your relentless Maya (deluding potency), O Hari, gods and demons, Nagas and human beings, nay, all animate and inanimate beings wander for numberless days and nights in the path of metempsychosis impelled by Time, Karma (destiny) and the Gunas (modes of Prakrti). Those, O Lord, whom You ever regarded with compassion have been rid of the threefold affliction. Protect us, Rama, prompt as You are in putting an end to the toils of mundane existence; we adore You.

 जे ग्यान मान बिमत्त तव भव हरनि भक्ति न आदरी।
ते पाइ सुर दुर्लभ पदादपि परत हम देखत हरी॥
बिस्वास करि सब आस परिहरि दास तव जे होइ रहे।
जपि नाम तव बिनु श्रम तरहिं भव नाथ सो समरामहे॥3॥

jē gyāna māna bimatta tava bhava harani bhakti na ādarī.
tē pāi sura durlabha padādapi parata hama dēkhata harī..
bisvāsa kari saba āsa parihari dāsa tava jē hōi rahē.
japi nāma tava binu śrama tarahiṃ bhava nātha sō samarāmahē..3..

Intoxicated with the pride of wisdom, they who respect not Devotion to You, which takes away the fear of transmigration, may climb up to a rank which even gods find it difficult to attain; yet, O Hari, we see them fall from it. On the other hand, they who have abandoned all other hopes and with unqualified faith choose to remain Your servants easily cross the ocean of transmigration by merely repeating Your name. It is for this reason, O Lord, that we particularly invoke You.

 जे चरन सिव अज पूज्य रज सुभ परसि मुनिपतिनी तरी।
नख निर्गता मुनि बंदिता त्रैलोक पावनि सुरसरी॥
ध्वज कुलिस अंकुस कंज जुत बन फिरत कंटक किन लहे।
पद कंज द्वंद मुकुंद राम रमेस नित्य भजामहे॥4॥

jē carana siva aja pūjya raja subha parasi munipatinī tarī.
nakha nirgatā muni baṃditā trēlōka pāvani surasarī..
dhvaja kulisa aṃkusa kaṃja juta bana phirata kaṃṭaka kina lahē.
pada kaṃja dvaṃda mukuṃda rāma ramēsa nitya bhajāmahē..4..

Your lotus-feet, which are worthy of adoration to Lord Siva and the unborn Brahma, the touch of whose blessed dust redeemed Ahalya (the wife of the sage Gautama), from whose nails flowed the heavenly stream (Ganga)-which is reverenced even by the sages and sanctifies all the three spheres- and the soles of which, while bearing the marks of a flag, thunderbolt, goad and lotus, are further adorned by scars left by thorns that pricked them in course of Your wanderings in the forest, O Mukunda (Bestower of Liberation), O Rama, O Lord of Rama (Laksmi), we ever adore.

अब्यक्तमूलमनादि तरु त्वच चारि निगमागम भने।
षट कंध साखा पंच बीस अनेक पर्न सुमन घने॥
फल जुगल बिधि कटु मधुर बेलि अकेलि जेहि आश्रित रहे।
पल्लवत फूलत नवल नित संसार बिटप नमामहे॥5॥

abyaktamūlamanādi taru tvaca cāri nigamāgama bhanē.
ṣaṭa kaṃdha sākhā paṃca bīsa anēka parna sumana ghanē..
phala jugala bidhi kaṭu madhura bēli akēli jēhi āśrita rahē.
pallavata phūlata navala nita saṃsāra biṭapa namāmahē..5..

We further adore You as the tree of the universe, which, as the Vedas and the agamas (Tantras) declare, has its root in the Unmanifest (Brahma) and has existed from time without beginning; which has four coats* of bark, six stems, twenty-five boughs, numberless leaves and abundant flowers; which bears two kinds of fruits-bitter and sweet, which has a solitary creeper clinging to it and which puts on ever fresh foliage and evernew flowers.

 जे ब्रह्म अजमद्वैतमनुभवगम्य मनपर ध्यावहीं।
ते कहहुँ जानहुँ नाथ हम तव सगुन जस नित गावहीं॥
करुनायतन प्रभु सदगुनाकर देव यह बर मागहीं।
मन बचन कर्म बिकार तजि तव चरन हम अनुरागहीं॥6॥

jē brahma ajamadvaitamanubhavagamya manapara dhyāvahīṃ.
tē kahahuom jānahuom nātha hama tava saguna jasa nita gāvahīṃ..
karunāyatana prabhu sadagunākara dēva yaha bara māgahīṃ.
mana bacana karma bikāra taji tava carana hama anurāgahīṃ..6..

Let those who meditate on Brahma (the Absolute) as unborn, the one without a second, perceptible only through intuition and as beyond the ken of mind, preach and believe like that. We, for our part, O Lord, ever chant the glories of Your visible form. O All-merciful and All-effulgent Lord, O mine of noble virtues, this is the boon we ask of You: may we love Your feet, casting off all aberrations of thought, word and deed.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 सब के देखत बेदन्ह बिनती कीन्हि उदार।
अंतर्धान भए पुनि गए ब्रह्म आगार॥13 क॥

saba kē dēkhata bēdanha binatī kīnhi udāra.
aṃtardhāna bhaē puni gaē brahma āgāra..13ka..

While everyone looked on, the Vedas uttered their grand prayer; and then they vanished out of sight and returned to Brahma’s abode (Satyaloka or the seventh Paradise).

 बैनतेय सुनु संभु तब आए जहँ रघुबीर।
बिनय करत गदगद गिरा पूरित पुलक सरीर॥13 ख॥

bainatēya sunu saṃbhu taba āē jahaom raghubīra.
binaya karata gadagada girā pūrita pulaka sarīra..13kha..

Listen, O Garuda (son of Vinata): then came Sambhu (Lord Siva) into the presence of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line) and with a choking voice and every hair on his body standing erect He thus made supplication:-

छंद :

 जय राम रमारमनं समनं। भवताप भयाकुल पाहि जनं॥
अवधेस सुरेस रमेस बिभो। सरनागत मागत पाहि प्रभो॥1॥

jaya rāma ramāramanaṃ samanaṃ. bhava tāpa bhayākula pāhi janaṃ..
avadhēsa surēsa ramēsa bibhō. saranāgata māgata pāhi prabhō..1..

“Hail to You, Rama, Rama’s (Sita’s) Spouse, Reliever of the afflictions of worldly existence ! Protect this servant, who is obsessed with the fear of transmigration. O King of Ayodhya, Ruler of the gods, Lord of Laksmi, all-pervading Master! Having fled to You for refuge, I implore You: pray, extend Your protection to Me.

 दससीस बिनासन बीस भुजा। कृत दूरि महा महि भूरि रुजा॥
रजनीचर बृंद पतंग रहे। सर पावक तेज प्रचंड दहे॥2॥

dasasīsa bināsana bīsa bhujā. kṛta dūri mahā mahi bhūri rujā..
rajanīcara bṛṃda pataṃga rahē. sara pāvaka tēja pracaṃḍa dahē..2..

By disposing of Ravana who possessed as many as ten heads and twenty arms. You rid the earth of many a severe scourge. The hosts of demons were a veritable swarm of moths that were reduced to ashes by the fierce glow of Your fire-like arrows.

 महि मंडल मंडन चारुतरं। धृत सायक चाप निषंग बरं।
मद मोह महा ममता रजनी। तम पुंज दिवाकर तेज अनी॥3॥

mahi maṃḍala maṃḍana cārutaraṃ. dhṛta sāyaka cāpa niṣaṃga baraṃ..
mada mōha mahā mamatā rajanī. tama puṃja divākara tēja anī..3..

An exceedingly beautiful jewel of the terrestrial globe, You have armed Yourself with an excellent bow, arrows and quiver. You are a radiant sun as it were to disperse the thick darkness prevailing in the night of pride, gross ignorance and attachment.

 मनजात किरात निपात किए। मृग लोग कुभोग सरेन हिए॥
हति नाथ अनाथनि पाहि हरे। बिषया बन पावँर भूलि परे॥4॥

manajāta kirāta nipāta kiē. mṛga lōga kubhōga sarēna hiē..
hati nātha anāthani pāhi harē. biṣayā bana pāvaomra bhūli parē..4..

The hunter in the form of lust has laid low the human deer by piercing his heart with the shafts of evil desire: O Lord ! pray, kill the hunter and thus save the life of these poor helpless creatures, lost as they are in the wilderness of sensuality, O Hari !

बहु रोग बियोगन्हि लोग हए। भवदंघ्रि निरादर के फल ए॥
भव सिंधु अगाध परे नर ते। पद पंकज प्रेम न जे करते॥5॥

bahu rōga biyōganhi lōga haē. bhavadaṃghri nirādara kē phala ē..
bhava siṃdhu agādha parē nara tē. pada paṃkaja prēma na jē karatē..5..

People are stricken with a host of diseases and bereavements, which are surely the result of neglecting Your feet. Those men who cherish no love for your lotus-feet continue to drift in the fathomless ocean of mundane existence.

 अति दीन मलीन दुखी नितहीं। जिन्ह कें पद पंकज प्रीति नहीं॥
अवलंब भवंत कथा जिन्ह कें। प्रिय संत अनंत सदा तिन्ह कें॥6॥

ati dīna malīna dukhī nitahīṃ. jinha kē pada paṃkaja prīti nahīṃ..
avalaṃba bhavaṃta kathā jinha kē.. priya saṃta anaṃta sadā tinha kēṃ..6..

They are ever most wretched, impure and unhappy, who have no devotion to Your lotus-feet.

 On the other hand, they who derive their sustenance from Your stories hold the saints and the eternal Lord (Yourself) as constantly dear to them.

 नहिं राग न लोभ न मान सदा। तिन्ह कें सम बैभव वा बिपदा॥
एहि ते तव सेवक होत मुदा। मुनि त्यागत जोग भरोस सदा॥7॥

nahiṃ rāga na lōbha na māna madā..tinha kēṃ sama baibhava vā bipadā..
ēhi tē tava sēvaka hōta mudā. muni tyāgata jōga bharōsa sadā..7..

They are free from passion, greed, pride and arrogance; prosperity and adversity are alike to them. That is why sages give up forever all faith in Yoga (mental discipline) and gladly become Your servants.

करि प्रेम निरंतर नेम लिएँ। पद पंकज सेवत सुद्ध हिएँ॥
सम मानि निरादर आदरही। सब संतु सुखी बिचरंति मही॥8॥

kari prēma niraṃtara nēma liēom. pada paṃkaja sēvata suddha hiēom..
sama māni nirādara ādarahī. saba saṃta sukhī bicaraṃti mahī..8..

With a pure heart and under a solemn pledge they constantly and lovingly adore Your lotus-feet. Regarding honour and ignominy alike, all such saints move about happily on earth.

 मुनि मानस पंकज भृंग भजे। रघुबीर महा रनधीर अजे॥
तव नाम जपामि नमामि हरी। भव रोग महागद मान अरी॥9॥

muni mānasa paṃkaja bhṛṃga bhajē. raghubīra mahā ranadhīra ajē..
tava nāma japāmi namāmi harī. bhava rōga mahāgada māna arī..9..

O Hero of Raghu’s line, invincible and exceedingly staunch in battle, indwelling as a bee the lotus heart of sages, I take refuge in You. I repeat Your Name and bow to You, O Hari; You are a sovereign remedy for the disease of birth and death and an enemy of pride.

 गुन सील कृपा परमायतनं। प्रनमामि निरंतर श्रीरमनं॥
रघुनंद निकंदय द्वंद्वघनं। महिपाल बिलोकय दीन जनं॥10॥

guna sīla kṛpā paramāyatanaṃ. pranamāmi niraṃtara śrīramanaṃ..
raghunaṃda nikaṃdaya dvaṃdvaghanaṃ. mahipāla bilōkaya dīna janaṃ..10..

I constantly greet You, Laksmi’s Spouse, supreme abode of goodness, amiability and compassion. O Delight of the Raghus, put an end to all pairs of contrary experiences (such as joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, attraction and repulsion, etc.); O Ruler of the earth, just cast a glance on this humble servant.

दोहा | Dohas:

बार बार बर मागउँ हरषि देहु श्रीरंग।
पद सरोज अनपायनी भगति सदा सतसंग॥14 क॥

bāra bāra bara māgauom haraṣi dēhu śrīraṃga.
pada sarōja anapāyanī bhagati sadā satasaṃga..14ka..

Again and again I ask only this boon of You-be pleased to grant it, O Lord of Laksmi: unceasing devotion to Your lotus-feet and constant communion with your devotees.”

 बरनि उमापति राम गुन हरषि गए कैलास।
तब प्रभु कपिन्ह दिवाए सब बिधि सुखप्रद बास॥14 ख॥

barani umāpati rāma guna haraṣi gaē kailāsa.
taba prabhu kapinha divāē saba bidhi sukhaprada bāsa..14kha..

Having thus hymned Sri Rama’s praises, Uma’s Lord (Siva) joyously returned to Kailasa. The Lord then assigned the monkeys residences that were comfortable in every respect.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 सुनु खगपति यह कथा पावनी। त्रिबिध ताप भव भय दावनी॥
महाराज कर सुभ अभिषेका। सुनत लहहिं नर बिरति बिबेका॥1॥

sunu khagapati yaha kathā pāvanī. tribidha tāpa bhava bhaya dāvanī..
mahārāja kara subha abhiṣēkā. sunata lahahiṃ nara birati bibēkā..

Listen, O king of the birds, (continues Kakabhusundi): this story purifies the heart and rids one of the threefold affliction and the fear of birth and death. By hearing the narrative of King Rama’s blessed Coronation men acquire dispassion and discernment.

 जे सकाम नर सुनहिं जे गावहिं। सुख संपति नाना बिधि पावहिं॥
सुर दुर्लभ सुख करि जग माहीं। अंतकाल रघुपति पुर जाहीं॥2॥

jē sakāma nara sunahiṃ jē gāvahiṃ. sukha saṃpati nānā bidhi pāvahiṃ..
sura durlabha sukha kari jaga māhīṃ. aṃtakāla raghupati pura jāhīṃ..

Those men who hear or sing it with some interested motive attain happiness and prosperity of every kind; after enjoying in this world pleasures to which even gods can scarce attain they ascend to Sri Rama’s divine Abode at the end of their earthly career.

 सुनहिं बिमुक्त बिरत अरु बिषई। लहहिं भगति गति संपति नई॥
खगपति राम कथा मैं बरनी। स्वमति बिलास त्रास दुख हरनी॥3॥

sunahiṃ bimukta birata aru biṣaī. lahahiṃ bhagati gati saṃpati naī..
khagapati rāma kathā maiṃ baranī. svamati bilāsa trāsa dukha haranī..

If a liberated soul, a man of dispassion and a sensual person hear it, they severally obtain Devotion, final beatitude and everincreasing prosperity. O king of the birds, (continues Kakabhusundi,) the story of Sri Rama, that I have narrated according to my own lights, takes away the fear of birth and death and rids one of sorrow.

 बिरति बिबेक भगति दृढ़ करनी। मोह नदी कहँ सुंदर तरनी॥
नित नव मंगल कौसलपुरी। हरषित रहहिं लोग सब कुरी॥4॥

birati bibēka bhagati dṛḍha karanī. mōha nadī kahaom suṃdara taranī..
nita nava maṃgala kausalapurī. haraṣita rahahiṃ lōga saba kurī..

It confirms one’s dispassion, discernment and devotion and is a splendid boat to take one across the river of ignorance. Everyday there was some new rejoicing in Kosalapura (the city of Ayodhya) people of all classes were happy.

नित नइ प्रीति राम पद पंकज। सब कें जिन्हहि नमत सिव मुनि अज॥
मंगल बहु प्रकार पहिराए। द्विजन्ह दान नाना बिधि पाए॥5॥

nita nai prīti rāma pada paṃkaja. sabakēṃ jinhahi namata siva muni aja..
maṃgana bahu prakāra pahirāē. dvijanha dāna nānā bidhi pāē..

Everybody cherished an ever-growing affection for Sri Rama’s lotus-feet, which are adored even by Lord Siva, Brahma (the Unborn) and the sages. Mendicants were provided with clothes of various kinds; while the twice-born (Brahmanas) received gifts of every description.

दोहा | Dohas:

 ब्रह्मानंद मगन कपि सब कें प्रभु पद प्रीति।
जात न जाने दिवस तिन्ह गए मास षट बीति॥15॥

brahmānaṃda magana kapi saba kēṃ prabhu pada prīti.
jāta na jānē divasa tinha gaē māsa ṣaṭa bīti..15..

The monkeys were drowned in the joy of absorption into Brahma; all were devoted to the Lord’s feet. Days rolled by them unnoticed till a period of six months had elapsed.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 बिसरे गृह सपनेहुँ सुधि नाहीं। जिमि परद्रोह संत मन माहीं॥
तब रघुपति सब सखा बोलाए। आइ सबन्हि सादर सिरु नाए॥1॥

bisarē gṛha sapanēhuom sudhi nāhīṃ. jimi paradrōha saṃta mana māhī..
taba raghupati saba sakhā bōlāē. āi sabanhi sādara siru nāē..

They had forgotten their home so completely that they never thought of it even in a dream any more than a saint would harbour ill-will towards another. The Lord of the Raghus then called all His comrades; all came and bowed their heads with reverence.

 परम प्रीति समीप बैठारे। भगत सुखद मृदु बचन उचारे॥
तुम्ह अति कीन्हि मोरि सेवकाई। मुख पर केहि बिधि करौं बड़ाई॥2॥

parama prīti samīpa baiṭhārē. bhagata sukhada mṛdu bacana ucārē..
tumha ati kīnha mōri sēvakāī. mukha para kēhi bidhi karauṃ baḍaāī..

Most lovingly He seated them by His side and addressed them in tender words, which were the delight of devotees: “You have rendered unstinted service to Me; but how can I praise you to your face?

 ताते मोहि तुम्ह अति प्रिय लागे। मम हित लागि भवन सुख त्यागे॥
अनुज राज संपति बैदेही। देह गेह परिवार सनेही॥3॥

tātē mōhi tumha ati priya lāgē. mama hita lāgi bhavana sukha tyāgē..
anuja rāja saṃpati baidēhī. dēha gēha parivāra sanēhī..

You renounced your home and comforts on My account; hence you have endeared yourselves most to Me. My younger brothers, My crown, My fortune, Sita (My spouse), My life, My home, My near and dear once-

 सब मम प्रिय नहिं तुम्हहि समाना। मृषा न कहउँ मोर यह बाना॥
सब कें प्रिय सेवक यह नीती। मोरें अधिक दास पर प्रीती॥4॥

saba mama priya nahiṃ tumhahi samānā. mṛṣā na kahauom mōra yaha bānā..
saba kē priya sēvaka yaha nītī. mōrēṃ adhika dāsa para prītī..

-are all dear to Me; but none so dear as you; I tell you no untruth, I simply reveal My nature to you. Every master, as a rule, loves his servant; but I, for one, am exceptionally fond of My servants.

दोहा | Dohas:

 अब गृह जाहु सखा सब भजेहु मोहि दृढ़ नेम।
सदा सर्बगत सर्बहित जानि करेहु अति प्रेम॥16॥

aba gṛha jāhu sakhā saba bhajēhu mōhi dṛḍha nēma.
sadā sarbagata sarbahita jāni karēhu ati prēma..16..

“Now, My comrades, return to your homes all of you, and, worship Me with a steadfast vow. Knowing Me as omnipresent and friendly to all, love Me most dearly.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

सुनि प्रभु बचन मगन सब भए। को हम कहाँ बिसरि तन गए॥
एकटक रहे जोरि कर आगे। सकहिं न कछु कहि अति अनुरागे॥1॥

suni prabhu bacana magana saba bhaē. kō hama kahāom bisari tana gaē..

ēkaṭaka rahē jōri kara āgē. sakahiṃ na kachu kahi ati anurāgē..

On hearing the Lord’s words all were so enraptured that they forgot their bodily existence and did not know who and where they were. Joining their palms they stood looking on with unwinking eyes; they were too overwhelmed with love to speak anything.

 परम प्रेम तिन्ह कर प्रभु देखा। कहा बिबिधि बिधि ग्यान बिसेषा॥
प्रभु सन्मुख कछु कहन न पारहिं। पुनि पुनि चरन सरोज निहारहिं॥2॥

parama prēma tinha kara prabhu dēkhā. kahā bibidha bidhi gyāna bisēṣā..
prabhu sanmukha kachu kahana na pārahiṃ. puni puni carana sarōja nihārahiṃ..

The Lord perceived their excessive fondness and gave them special instruction in wisdom inculcating the truth on them in various ways. They, however, could not utter a word in the presence of the Lord; they would simply gaze on His lotus-feet again and again.

तब प्रभु भूषन बसन मगाए। नाना रंग अनूप सुहाए॥
सुग्रीवहि प्रथमहिं पहिराए। बसन भरत निज हाथ बनाए॥3॥

taba prabhu bhūṣana basana magāē. nānā raṃga anūpa suhāē..
sugrīvahi prathamahiṃ pahirāē. basana bharata nija hātha banāē..

The Lord then called for jewels and costumes of various colours, incomparably beautiful; and Bharata with his own hands got ready a set with which he invested Sugriva first of all.

प्रभु प्रेरित लछिमन पहिराए। लंकापति रघुपति मन भाए॥
अंगद बैठ रहा नहिं डोला। प्रीति देखि प्रभु ताहि न बोला॥4॥

prabhu prērita lachimana pahirāē. laṃkāpati raghupati mana bhāē..
aṃgada baiṭha rahā nahiṃ ḍōlā. prīti dēkhi prabhu tāhi na bōlā..

By the Lord’s command Laksmana then invested Vibhisana (the king of Lanka) with another set, which gladdened the heart of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus). Angada, however, remained seated and refused to stir; and the Lord who saw his affection did not call him.

दोहा | Dohas:

 जामवंत नीलादि सब पहिराए रघुनाथ।
हियँ धरि राम रूप सब चले नाइ पद माथ॥17 क॥

jāmavaṃta nīlādi saba pahirāē raghunātha.
hiyaom dhari rāma rūpa saba calē nāi pada mātha..17ka..

Then the Lord of the Raghus Himself invested with clothes and jewels Jambavan, Nila and all the rest; and enshrining Sri Rama’s image in their heart they all bowed their heads at His feet and took their leave.

 तब अंगद उठि नाइ सिरु सजल नयन कर जोरि।
अति बिनीत बोलेउ बचन मनहुँ प्रेम रसबोरि॥17 ख॥

taba aṃgada uṭhi nāi siru sajala nayana kara jōri.
ati binīta bōlēu bacana manahuom prēma rasa bōri..17kha.

Now Angada arose and bowed his head; and with joined palms and eyes full of tears he addressed the Lord in words which were not only most polite but steeped as it were in the nectar of love:-

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 सुनु सर्बग्य कृपा सुख सिंधो। दीन दयाकर आरत बंधो॥
मरती बेर नाथ मोहि बाली। गयउ तुम्हारेहि कोंछें घाली॥1॥

sunu sarbagya kṛpā sukha siṃdhō. dīna dayākara ārata baṃdhō..
maratī bēra nātha mōhi bālī. gayau tumhārēhi kōṃchēṃ ghālī..

“Listen, all-wise, all-merciful and all-blissful Lord, full of compassion to the meek and the befriender of the afflicted; it was in Your charge, my lord, that Vali (my father) left me while departing from this world.

असरन सरन बिरदु संभारी। मोहि जनि तजहु भगत हितकारी॥
मोरें तुम्ह प्रभु गुर पितु माता। जाउँ कहाँ तजि पद जलजाता॥2॥

asarana sarana biradu saṃbhārī. mōhi jani tajahu bhagata hitakārī..
mōrēṃ tumha prabhu gura pitu mātā. jāuom kahāom taji pada jalajātā..

Therefore, recalling Your vow of affording protection to the forlorn, forsake me not, O benefactor of the devotees. You are my master, preceptor, father and mother, all in one; where can I go, leaving Your lotus-feet?

 तुम्हहि बिचारि कहहु नरनाहा। प्रभु तजि भवन काज मम काहा॥
बालक ग्यान बुद्धि बल हीना। राखहु सरन नाथ जन दीना॥3॥

tumhahi bicāri kahahu naranāhā. prabhu taji bhavana kāja mama kāhā..
bālaka gyāna buddhi bala hīnā. rākhahu sarana nātha jana dīnā..

Ponder Yourself and tell me, O Ruler of men; severed from You, of what use is my home to me? Extend Your protection to this humble servant, a mere child, without knowledge, reason or strength.

नीचि टहल गृह कै सब करिहउँ। पद पंकज बिलोकि भव तरिहउँ॥
अस कहि चरन परेउ प्रभु पाही। अब जनि नाथ कहहु गृह जाही॥4॥

nīci ṭahala gṛha kai saba karihauom. pada paṃkaja bilōki bhava tarihauom..
asa kahi carana parēu prabhu pāhī. aba jani nātha kahahu gṛha jāhī..

I will do all menial service in your household and shall cross the ocean of mundane existence by the mere sight of Your lotus-feet.” So saying he fell at His feet, adding, “Save me, my lord, and tell me no more, my master, to return home.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 अंगद बचन बिनीत सुनि रघुपति करुना सींव।
प्रभु उठाइ उर लायउ सजल नयन राजीव॥18 क॥

aṃgada bacana binīta suni raghupati karunā sīṃva.
prabhu uṭhāi ura lāyau sajala nayana rājīva..18ka..

Hearing Angada’s humble entreaty Lord Sri Rama, the perfection of tenderness, raised him and clasped him to His bosom, His lotus eyes streaming with tears.

 निज उर माल बसन मनि बालितनय पहिराइ।
बिदा कीन्हि भगवान तब बहु प्रकार समुझाइ॥18 ख॥

nija ura māla basana mani bālitanaya pahirāi.
bidā kīnhi bhagavāna taba bahu prakāra samujhāi..18kha..

Investing Vali’s son (Angada) with the garland that hung on His own bosom as well as with His own robes and jewels, the Lord then sent him away with many words of consolation.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 भरत अनुज सौमित्रि समेता। पठवन चले भगत कृत चेता॥
अंगद हृदयँ प्रेम नहिं थोरा। फिरि फिरि चितव राम कीं ओरा॥1॥

bharata anuja saumitra samētā. paṭhavana calē bhagata kṛta cētā..
aṃgada hṛdayaom prēma nahiṃ thōrā. phiri phiri citava rāma kīṃ ōrā..

Conscious of the devotees’ services, Bharata as well as his younger brother (Satrughna) and Laksmana (Sumitra’s son) proceeded to see them off. Angada’s heart was so full of love that he would turn again and again to have one more look at Sri Rama.

 बार बार कर दंड प्रनामा। मन अस रहन कहहिं मोहि रामा॥
राम बिलोकनि बोलनि चलनी। सुमिरि सुमिरि सोचत हँसि मिलनी॥2॥

bāra bāra kara daṃḍa pranāmā. mana asa rahana kahahiṃ mōhi rāmā..
rāma bilōkani bōlani calanī. sumiri sumiri sōcata haomsi milanī..

He would repeatedly prostrate himself on the ground and expected that Sri Rama might ask him to stay on. He became sad as he recalled the characteristic way in which Sri Rama looked, talked, walked and smilingly greeted His friends.

प्रभु रुख देखि बिनय बहु भाषी। चलेउ हृदयँ पद पंकज राखी॥
अति आदर सब कपि पहुँचाए। भाइन्ह सहित भरत पुनि आए॥3॥

prabhu rukha dēkhi binaya bahu bhāṣī. calēu hṛdayaom pada paṃkaja rākhī..
ati ādara saba kapi pahuomcāē. bhāinha sahita bharata puni āē..

But when he perceived in the Lord’s look what was in His mind, he departed with many a word of prayer, impressing His lotus-feet on his heart. Having seen all the monkeys off with utmost respect, Bharata and his younger brothers returned.

 तब सुग्रीव चरन गहि नाना। भाँति बिनय कीन्हे हनुमाना॥
दिन दस करि रघुपति पद सेवा। पुनि तव चरन देखिहउँ देवा॥4॥

taba sugrīva carana gahi nānā. bhāomti binaya kīnhē hanumānā..
dina dasa kari raghupati pada sēvā. puni tava carana dēkhihauom dēvā..

Then Hanuman (who had evidently accompanied his master to see him off) clasped the feet of Sugriva and sought his favour in many ways : “After spending ten more days in the service of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), if you please, I will see your feet again, my master.”

 पुन्य पुंज तुम्ह पवनकुमारा। सेवहु जाइ कृपा आगारा॥
अस कहि कपि सब चले तुरंता। अंगद कहइ सुनहु हनुमंता॥5॥

punya puṃja tumha pavanakumārā. sēvahu jāi kṛpā āgārā..
asa kahi kapi saba calē turaṃtā. aṃgada kahai sunahu hanumaṃtā..

“A storehouse of merit as you are, O son of the wind-god, you go and serve the All-merciful.” So saying, all the monkeys forthwith departed. Angada, however, tarried to say, Listen, Hanuman:-

दोहा | Dohas:

 कहेहु दंडवत प्रभु सैं तुम्हहि कहउँ कर जोरि।
बार बार रघुनायकहि सुरति कराएहु मोरि॥19 क॥

kahēhu daṃḍavata prabhu saiṃ tumhahi kahauom kara jōri.
bāra bāra raghunāyakahi surati karāēhu mōri..19ka..

With joined palms I beseech you: please convey my prostrations to the Lord and remember me to Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) from time to time.”-

 अस कहि चलेउ बालिसुत फिरि आयउ हनुमंत।
तासु प्रीति प्रभु सन कही मगन भए भगवंत॥19 ख॥

asa kahi calēu bālisuta phiri āyau hanumaṃta.
tāsu prīti prabhu sana kahi magana bhaē bhagavaṃta..9kha..

So saying, Vali’s son (Angada) started on his journey; while Hanuman came back and told the Lord of Angada’s love, which filled the Lord with ecstatic delight.

कुलिसहु चाहि कठोर अति कोमल कुसुमहु चाहि।
चित्त खगेस राम कर समुझि परइ कहु काहि॥19 ग॥

kulisahu cāhi kaṭhōra ati kōmala kusumahu cāhi.
citta khagēsa rāma kara samujhi parai kahu kāhi..19ga..

Harder far than adamant and softer than a flower is the heart of Sri Rama, O king of the birds, (continues Kakabhusundi): tell me, who can know it?

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 पुनि कृपाल लियो बोलि निषादा। दीन्हे भूषन बसन प्रसादा॥
जाहु भवन मम सुमिरन करेहू। मन क्रम बचन धर्म अनुसरेहू॥1॥

puni kṛpāla liyō bōli niṣādā. dīnhē bhūṣana basana prasādā..
jāhu bhavana mama sumirana karēhū. mana krama bacana dharma anusarēhū..

Next the All-merciful summoned the Nisada chief (Guha) and presented him with jewels and raiment as a token of His pleasure. “Now return to your home; but remember Me and follow the dictates of religion in thought, word and deed.

तुम्ह मम सखा भरत सम भ्राता। सदा रहेहु पुर आवत जाता॥
बचन सुनत उपजा सुख भारी। परेउ चरन भरि लोचन बारी॥2॥

tumha mama sakhā bharata sama bhrātā. sadā rahēhu pura āvata jātā..
bacana sunata upajā sukha bhārī. parēu carana bhari lōcana bārī..

You, My friend, are as much My brother as Bharata; you must continue to visit the capital every now and then.” Guha was immensely gratified to hear these words; he fell at the Lord’s feet, his eyes full of tears.

चरन नलिन उर धरि गृह आवा। प्रभु सुभाउ परिजनन्हि सुनावा॥
रघुपति चरित देखि पुरबासी। पुनि पुनि कहहिं धन्य सुखरासी॥3॥

carana nalina ura dhari gṛha āvā. prabhu subhāu parijananhi sunāvā..
raghupati carita dēkhi purabāsī. puni puni kahahiṃ dhanya sukharāsī..

Enshrining an image of His lotus feet in his heart he returned home and told his kinsmen of the Lord’s amiable disposition. Witnessing the doings of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) the citizens repeatedly said, “Blessed is the All-blissful Lord !”

 राम राज बैठें त्रैलोका। हरषित भए गए सब सोका॥
बयरु न कर काहू सन कोई। राम प्रताप बिषमता खोई॥4॥

rāma rāja baiṃṭhēṃ trēlōkā. haraṣita bhaē gaē saba sōkā..
bayaru na kara kāhū sana kōī. rāma pratāpa biṣamatā khōī..

Sri Rama’s installation to the throne brought joy to all the three spheres and ended all their sorrows. No one bore enmity to another; Sri Rama’s glory had obliterated all disharmony.

दोहा | Dohas:

 बरनाश्रम निज निज धरम निरत बेद पथ लोग।
चलहिं सदा पावहिं सुखहि नहिं भय सोक न रोग॥20॥

baranāśrama nija nija dharama banirata bēda patha lōga.
calahiṃ sadā pāvahiṃ sukhahi nahiṃ bhaya sōka na rōga..20..

Devoted to duty each according to his own caste and stage of life, the people trod the path of the Vedas and enjoyed happiness. They knew no fear, nor sorrow nor disease.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 दैहिक दैविक भौतिक तापा। राम राज नहिं काहुहि ब्यापा॥
सब नर करहिं परस्पर प्रीती। चलहिं स्वधर्म निरत श्रुति नीती॥1॥

daihika daivika bhautika tāpā. rāma rāja nahiṃ kāhuhi byāpā..
saba nara karahiṃ paraspara prītī. calahiṃ svadharma nirata śruti nītī..

In the whole of Sri Rama’s dominions there was none who suffered from affliction of any kind-whether of the body, or proceeding from divine or supernatural agencies or that caused by another living being. All men loved one another : each followed one’s prescribed duty, conformably to the precepts of the Vedas.

 चारिउ चरन धर्म जग माहीं। पूरि रहा सपनेहुँ अघ नाहीं॥
राम भगति रत नर अरु नारी। सकल परम गति के अधिकारी॥2॥

cāriu carana dharma jaga māhīṃ. pūri rahā sapanēhuom agha nāhīṃ..
rāma bhagati rata nara aru nārī. sakala parama gati kē adhikārī..

Dharma with its four pillars (viz., truth, purity-both external and internal, compassion and charity) reigned everywhere throughout the world; no one even dreamt of sin. Men and women alike were devoted to Sri Rama’s worship and all were qualified for final beatitude.

 अल्पमृत्यु नहिं कवनिउ पीरा। सब सुंदर सब बिरुज सरीरा॥
नहिं दरिद्र कोउ दुखी न दीना। नहिं कोउ अबुध न लच्छन हीना॥3॥

alpamṛtyu nahiṃ kavaniu pīrā. saba suṃdara saba biruja sarīrā..
nahiṃ daridra kōu dukhī na dīnā. nahiṃ kōu abudha na lacchana hīnā..

There was no premature death nor suffering of any kind; everyone was comely and sound of body. No one was destitute, afflicted or miserable; no one was stupid or devoid of auspicious marks.

सब निर्दंभ धर्मरत पुनी। नर अरु नारि चतुर सब गुनी॥
सब गुनग्य पंडित सब ग्यानी। सब कृतग्य नहिं कपट सयानी॥4॥

saba nirdaṃbha dharmarata punī. nara aru nāri catura saba gunī..
saba gunagya paṃḍita saba gyānī. saba kṛtagya nahiṃ kapaṭa sayānī..

All were unaffectedly good, pious and virtuous; all were clever and accomplished- both men and women. Everyone recognized the merits of others and was learned and wise; nay, everyone acknowledged the services and benefits received from others and there was no guileful prudence.

दोहा | Dohas:

 राम राज नभगेस सुनु सचराचर जग माहिं।
काल कर्म सुभाव गुन कृत दुख काहुहि नाहिं॥21॥

rāma rāja nabhagēsa sunu sacarācara jaga māhiṃ..
kāla karma subhāva guna kṛta dukha kāhuhi nāhiṃ..21..

Listen, O king of the birds, (continues Kakabhusundi,) during Sri Rama’s reign there was not a creature in this world, animate or inanimate, that was liable to any of the sufferings attributable to time, past conduct, personal temperament and character.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 भूमि सप्त सागर मेखला। एक भूप रघुपति कोसला॥
भुअन अनेक रोम प्रति जासू। यह प्रभुता कछु बहुत न तासू॥1॥

bhūmi sapta sāgara mēkhalā. ēka bhūpa raghupati kōsalā..
bhuana anēka rōma prati jāsū. yaha prabhutā kachu bahuta na tāsū..

Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), who reigned in Ayodhya, was the undisputed sovereign of the entire globe girdled by the seven oceans. This lordship (of the entire globe) was nothing great for Him every hair-hole in whose (Cosmic) body contains myriads of universes.

सो महिमा समुझत प्रभु केरी। यह बरनत हीनता घनेरी॥
सोउ महिमा खगेस जिन्ह जानी॥ फिरि एहिं चरित तिन्हहुँ रति मानी॥2॥

sō mahimā samujhata prabhu kērī. yaha baranata hīnatā ghanērī..
sōu mahimā khagēsa jinha jānī. phirī ēhiṃ carita tinhahuom rati mānī..

To him who has realized such infinite greatness of the Lord, even this description (viz., to speak of Him as the sovereign of the entire globe) will sound highly disparaging. But even those, O king of the birds, (continues Kakabhusundi) who have realized the greatness of the Lord (as indicated above) have turned round and conceived a fondness for this story of the Lord.

 सोउ जाने कर फल यह लीला। कहहिं महा मुनिबर दमसीला॥
राम राज कर सुख संपदा। बरनि न सकइ फनीस सारदा॥3॥

sōu jānē kara phala yaha līlā. kahahiṃ mahā munibara damasīlā..
rāma rāja kara sukha saṃpadā. barani na sakai phanīsa sāradā..

For the immediate perception of such exploits of the Lord is the reward of knowing His infinite greatness; so declare the greatest of sages that have subdued their senses. The happiness and prosperity of Sri Rama’s reign were more than even Sesa (the serpent-god) and Sarada (the goddess of learning) could describe.

 सब उदार सब पर उपकारी। बिप्र चरन सेवक नर नारी॥
एकनारि ब्रत रत सब झारी। ते मन बच क्रम पति हितकारी॥4॥

saba udāra saba para upakārī. bipra carana sēvaka nara nārī..
ēkanāri brata rata saba jhārī. tē mana baca krama pati hitakārī..

All were generous and all beneficent; men and women alike were devoted to the feet of the Brahmanas. Every husband was pledged to a vow of monogamy and the wives too were devoted to their husband in thought, word and deed.

दोहा | Dohas:

 दंड जतिन्ह कर भेद जहँ नर्तक नृत्य समाज।
जीतहु मनहि सुनिअ अस रामचंद्र कें राज॥22॥

daṃḍa jatinha kara bhēda jahaom nartaka nṛtya samāja.
jītahu manahi sunia asa rāmacaṃdra kēṃ rāja..22..

Danda’* was never seen save in the hands of the recluse and ‘Bheda’ too had ceased to exist except among the dancers in a dancing party. Even so the order ‘Conquer !’ was heard only with reference to the mind throughout the realm of Sri Ramacandra.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 फूलहिं फरहिं सदा तरु कानन। रहहिं एक सँग गज पंचानन॥
खग मृग सहज बयरु बिसराई। सबन्हि परस्पर प्रीति बढ़ाई॥1॥

phūlahiṃ pharahiṃ sadā taru kānana. rahahi ēka saomga gaja paṃcānana..
khaga mṛga sahaja bayaru bisarāī. sabanhi paraspara prīti baḍhaāī..

Trees in the forest blossomed and bore fruit throughout the year; the elephant and the lion lived together as friends. Nay, birds and beasts of every description had forgotten their natural animosities and developed friendly relations with one another.

 कूजहिं खग मृग नाना बृंदा। अभय चरहिं बन करहिं अनंदा॥
सीतल सुरभि पवन बह मंदा। गुंजत अलि लै चलि मकरंदा॥2॥

kūjahiṃ khaga mṛga nānā bṛṃdā. abhaya carahiṃ bana karahiṃ anaṃdā..
sītala surabhi pavana baha maṃdā. gūṃjata ali lai cali makaraṃdā..

Birds sang and beasts fearlessly moved about in the woods in distinct herds, making merry all the time. The air breathed cool, soft and fragrant; bees hummed even as they moved about laden with honey.

 लता बिटप मागें मधु चवहीं। मनभावतो धेनु पय स्रवहीं॥
ससि संपन्न सदा रह धरनी। त्रेताँ भइ कृतजुग कै करनी॥3॥

latā biṭapa māgēṃ madhu cavahīṃ. manabhāvatō dhēnu paya stravahīṃ..
sasi saṃpanna sadā raha dharanī. trētāom bhai kṛtajuga kai karanī..

Creepers and trees dropped honey to those who asked for it; cows yielded milk to one’s heart’s content. The earth was ever clothed with crops; even in the Treta age the conditions of the Satyayuga prevailed.

 प्रगटीं गिरिन्ह बिबिधि मनि खानी। जगदातमा भूप जग जानी॥
सरिता सकल बहहिं बर बारी। सीतल अमल स्वाद सुखकारी॥4॥

pragaṭīṃ girinha bibidha mani khānī. jagadātamā bhūpa jaga jānī..
saritā sakala bahahiṃ bara bārī. sītala amala svāda sukhakārī..

Conscious of the fact that the Ruler of the earth was no other than the Universal Spirit, the mountains brought to light their mines containing jewels of every description. Every river carried in it excellent water-cool, transparent and pleasant to the taste.

 सागर निज मरजादाँ रहहीं। डारहिं रत्न तटन्हि नर लहहीं॥
सरसिज संकुल सकल तड़ागा। अति प्रसन्न दस दिसा बिभागा॥5॥

sāgara nija marajādāom rahahīṃ. ḍārahiṃ ratna taṭanhi nara lahahīṃ..
sarasija saṃkula sakala taḍaāgā. ati prasanna dasa disā bibhāgā..

The oceans kept within their bounds and scattered jewels on their shores for men to gather. Ponds were all thick with lotuses and every quarter was clear and bright.

दोहा | Dohas:

बिधु महि पूर मयूखन्हि रबि तप जेतनेहि काज।
मागें बारिद देहिं जल रामचंद्र कें राज॥23॥

bidhu mahi pūra mayūkhanhi rabi tapa jētanēhi kāja.
māgēṃ bārida dēhiṃ jala rāmacaṃdra kē rāja..23..

The moon flooded the earth with her rays, while the sun shone just as much as was necessary. Similarly clouds poured forth showers for the mere asking so long as Sri Ramacandra wielded the sceptre.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 कोटिन्ह बाजिमेध प्रभु कीन्हे। दान अनेक द्विजन्ह कहँ दीन्हे॥
श्रुति पथ पालक धर्म धुरंधर। गुनातीत अरु भोग पुरंदर॥1॥

kōṭinha bājimēdha prabhu kīnhē. dāna anēka dvijanha kahaom dīnhē..
śruti patha pālaka dharma dhuraṃdhara. gunātīta aru bhōga puraṃdara..

The Lord performed myriads of horse-sacrifices and bestowed innumerable gifts on the Brahmanas. The Defender of the Vedic usage and the champion of righteousness, He transcended the three modes of Prakrti (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) and was another Indra (the lord of paradise) so for as enjoyment was concerned.

 पति अनुकूल सदा रह सीता। सोभा खानि सुसील बिनीता॥
जानति कृपासिंधु प्रभुताई॥ सेवति चरन कमल मन लाई॥2॥

pati anukūla sadā raha sītā. sōbhā khāni susīla binītā..
jānati kṛpāsiṃdhu prabhutāī. sēvati carana kamala mana lāī..

A mine of beauty, virtuous and meek, Sita was ever devoted to Her lord. She knew the greatness of the All-merciful Lord and adored His lotus-feet with a devoted heart.

 जद्यपि गृहँ सेवक सेवकिनी। बिपुल सदा सेवा बिधि गुनी॥
निज कर गृह परिचरजा करई। रामचंद्र आयसु अनुसरई॥3॥

jadyapi gṛhaom sēvaka sēvakinī. bipula sadā sēvā bidhi gunī..
nija kara gṛha paricarajā karaī. rāmacaṃdra āyasu anusaraī..

Although there were many man-servants and maid-servants in Her palace, all expert in the art of service, She did all household work with Her own hands and carried out the behests of Sri Ramacandra.

 जेहि बिधि कृपासिंधु सुख मानइ। सोइ कर श्री सेवा बिधि जानइ॥
कौसल्यादि सासु गृह माहीं। सेवइ सबन्हि मान मद नाहीं॥4॥

jēhi bidhi kṛpāsiṃdhu sukha mānai. sōi kara śrī sēvā bidhi jānai..
kausalyādi sāsu gṛha māhīṃ. sēvai sabanhi māna mada nāhīṃ..

Sita invariably did what would afford delight to the All-merciful, conversant as She was with the art of service. Devoid of pride and conceit, She waited upon Kausalya and all the other mothers-in-law in the palace.

 उमा रमा ब्रह्मादि बंदिता। जगदंबा संततमनिंदिता॥5॥

umā ramā brahmādi baṃditā. jagadaṃbā saṃtatamaniṃditā..

Uma, (continues Lord Siva,) Sita was no other than Goddess Rama (Laksmi), the Mother of the universe, who is adored even by Brahma and other gods and is ever flawless.

दोहा | Dohas:

 जासु कृपा कटाच्छु सुर चाहत चितव न सोइ।
राम पदारबिंद रति करति सुभावहि खोइ॥24॥

jāsu kṛpā kaṭācchu sura cāhata citava na sōi.
rāma padārabiṃda rati karati subhāvahi khōi..24..

The same Laksmi whose benign look is craved by the gods but who never casts a glance at them constantly loves Sri Rama’s lotus feet, forgetting Her natural majesty.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 सेवहिं सानकूल सब भाई। राम चरन रति अति अधिकाई॥
प्रभु मुख कमल बिलोकत रहहीं। कबहुँ कृपाल हमहि कछु कहहीं॥1॥

sēvahiṃ sānakūla saba bhāī. rāma carana rati ati adhikāī..
prabhu mukha kamala bilōkata rahahīṃ. kabahuom kṛpāla hamahi kachu kahahīṃ..

All the younger brothers served the Lord with great fidelity; for their love for Sri Rama knew no bounds. They ever kept gazing on His lotus face in the hope that the benign Lord might give some order to them at any moment.

 राम करहिं भ्रातन्ह पर प्रीती। नाना भाँति सिखावहिं नीती॥
हरषित रहहिं नगर के लोगा। करहिं सकल सुर दुर्लभ भोगा॥2॥

rāma karahiṃ bhrātanha para prītī. nānā bhāomti sikhāvahiṃ nītī..
haraṣita rahahiṃ nagara kē lōgā. karahiṃ sakala sura durlabha bhōgā..

Sri Rama too loved His younger brothers and taught them wisdom of every kind. The citizens led a happy life and enjoyed all sorts of pleasures which even gods could scarcely obtain.

 अहनिसि बिधिहि मनावत रहहीं। श्री रघुबीर चरन रति चहहीं॥
दुइ सुत सुंदर सीताँ जाए। लव कुस बेद पुरानन्ह गाए॥3॥

ahanisi bidhihi manāvata rahahīṃ. śrīraghubīra carana rati cahahīṃ..
dui suta sundara sītāom jāē. lava kusa bēda purānanha gāē..

Day and night they prayed to God and sought the boon of devotion to the feet of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line). Sita gave birth to two pretty sons, Lava and Kusa by name, who have figured in the Vedas and Puranas.

 दोउ बिजई बिनई गुन मंदिर। हरि प्रतिबिंब मनहुँ अति सुंदर॥
दुइ दुइ सुत सब भ्रातन्ह केरे। भए रूप गुन सील घनेरे॥4॥

dōu bijaī binaī guna maṃdira. hari pratibiṃba manahuom ati suṃdara..
dui dui suta saba bhrātanha kērē. bhaē rūpa guna sīla ghanērē..

Both these boys were victorious in battle, modest, accomplished and handsome, the very images as it were of Sri Hari (Rama). Sri Rama’s other brothers too had two sons each, pre-eminent in comeliness of form, merit and virtue.

दोहा | Dohas:

 ग्यान गिरा गोतीत अज माया मन गुन पार।
सोइ सच्चिदानंद घन कर नर चरित उदार॥25॥

gyāna girā gōtīta aja māyā mana guna pāra.
sōi saccidānaṃda ghana kara nara carita udāra..25..

The same Brahma who is beyond all knowledge, speech and sense-perception, nay, who is unborn and transcends Maya (Prakrti or Matter), the mind and the modes of Prakrti and is truth, knowledge and bliss solidified, exhibited the ideal behaviour of a human being.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 प्रातकाल सरऊ करि मज्जन। बैठहिं सभाँ संग द्विज सज्जन॥
बेद पुरान बसिष्ट बखानहिं। सुनहिं राम जद्यपि सब जानहिं॥1॥

prātakāla saraū kari majjana. baiṭhahiṃ sabhāom saṃga dvija sajjana..
bēda purāna basiṣṭa bakhānahiṃ. sunahiṃ rāma jadyapi saba jānahiṃ..

After taking a bath in the Sarayu early in the morning the Lord sat in an assembly of Brahmanas and holy men. The sage Vasistha expounded the Vedas and Puranas, while Sri Rama listened to the exposition, even though He knew everything Himself.

 अनुजन्ह संजुत भोजन करहीं। देखि सकल जननीं सुख भरहीं॥
भरत सत्रुहन दोनउ भाई। सहित पवनसुत उपबन जाई॥2॥

anujanha saṃjuta bhōjana karahīṃ. dēkhi sakala jananīṃ sukha bharahīṃ..
bharata satruhana dōnau bhāī. sahita pavanasuta upabana jāī..

He took His meals with His younger brothers and the sight filled all the mothers with joy. The two brothers, Bharata and Satrughna, would accompany the son of the wind-god to some grove,

 बूझहिं बैठि राम गुन गाहा। कह हनुमान सुमति अवगाहा॥
सुनत बिमल गुन अति सुख पावहिं। बहुरि बहुरि करि बिनय कहावहिं॥3॥

būjhahiṃ baiṭhi rāma guna gāhā. kaha hanumāna sumati avagāhā..
sunata bimala guna ati sukha pāvahiṃ. bahuri bahuri kari binaya kahāvahiṃ..

where they would sit and ask Hanuman to expatiate on Sri Rama’s virtues, and Hanuman would plunge his sound intellect into the ocean of His virtues and then recount them. The two brothers derived much joy from the discourse on His immaculate virtues and with much entreaty had it repeated again and again.

 सब कें गृह गृह होहिं पुराना। राम चरित पावन बिधि नाना॥
नर अरु नारि राम गुन गानहिं। करहिं दिवस निसि जात न जानहिं॥4॥

saba kēṃ gṛha gṛha hōhiṃ purānā. rāmacarita pāvana bidhi nānā..
nara aru nāri rāma guna gānahiṃ. karahiṃ divasa nisi jāta na jānahiṃ..

Everywhere-in every house the people recited the Puranas and narrated Sri Rama’s holy exploits of a diverse character. Men and women alike joined in hymning Sri Rama’s praises and days and nights passed on unnoticed.

दोहा | Dohas:

 अवधपुरी बासिन्ह कर सुख संपदा समाज।
सहस सेष नहिं कहि सकहिं जहँ नृप राम बिराज॥26॥

avadhapurī bāsinha kara sukha saṃpadā samāja.
sahasa sēṣa nahiṃ kahi sakahiṃ jahaom nṛpa rāma birāja..26..

Not a thousand Sesas could tell all the happiness and prosperity of the people of Ayodhya, where Sri Rama reigned as King

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

नारदादि सनकादि मुनीसा। दरसन लागि कोसलाधीसा॥
दिन प्रति सकल अजोध्या आवहिं। देखि नगरु बिरागु बिसरावहिं॥1॥

nāradādi sanakādi munīsā. darasana lāgi kōsalādhīsā..
dina prati sakala ajōdhyā āvahiṃ. dēkhi nagaru birāgu bisarāvahiṃ..

All great sages like Narada, Sanaka and others came to Ayodhya everyday to have a sight of the Lord of Kosala, and forgot all their indifference to the world the moment they saw the city,

 जातरूप मनि रचित अटारीं। नाना रंग रुचिर गच ढारीं॥
पुर चहुँ पास कोट अति सुंदर। रचे कँगूरा रंग रंग बर॥2॥

jātarūpa mani racita aṭārīṃ. nānā raṃga rucira gaca ḍhārīṃ..
pura cahuom pāsa kōṭa ati suṃdara. racē kaomgūrā raṃga raṃga bara..

with its attics built of gold and jewels and having splendid pavements laid in diverse colours. A most beautiful boundary wall with its battlements painted in different colours enclosed the city on all sides,

 नव ग्रह निकर अनीक बनाई। जनु घेरी अमरावति आई॥
लमहि बहु रंग रचित गच काँचा। जो बिलोकि मुनिबर मन नाचा॥3॥

nava graha nikara anīka banāī. janu ghērī amarāvati āī..
mahi bahu raṃga racita gaca kāomcā. jō bilōki munibara mana nācā..

as though the nine planets had mustered a large army and besieged Amaravati (Indra’s capital). The ground (the streets and squares etc.,) was so beautifully paved with crystals of various colours that the mind of the greatest Sages would be enraptured at the sight.

 धवल धाम ऊपर नभ चुंबत। कलस मनहुँ रबि ससि दुति निंदत॥
बहु मनि रचित झरोखा भ्राजहिं। गृह गृह प्रति मनि दीप बिराजहिं॥4॥

dhavala dhāma ūpara nabha cuṃbata. kalasa manahuom rabi sasi duti niṃdata..
bahu mani racita jharōkhā bhrājahiṃ. gṛha gṛha prati mani dīpa birājahiṃ..

The white palaces were so high as to reach the skies; their shining pinnacles put to shame as it were the effulgence of the sun and the moon. Latticed windows made of diverse precious stones shone here and there; while every house was lit up with jewels that served as lamps.

छंद :

 मनि दीप राजहिं भवन भ्राजहिं देहरीं बिद्रुम रची।
मनि खंभ भीति बिरंचि बिरची कनक मनि मरकत खची॥
सुंदर मनोहर मंदिरायत अजिर रुचिर फटिक रचे।
प्रति द्वार द्वार कपाट पुरट बनाइ बहु बज्रन्हि खचे॥

mani dīpa rājahiṃ bhavana bhrājahiṃ dēharīṃ bidruma racī.
mani khaṃbha bhīti biraṃci biracī kanaka mani marakata khacī..
suṃdara manōhara maṃdirāyata ajira rucira phaṭika racē.
prati dvāra dvāra kapāṭa puraṭa banāi bahu bajranhi khacē..

The mansions were illumined by jewels that served as so many lamps and had shining thresholds made of coral, pillars of jewels and walls of gold inlaid with emeralds, which were as lovely as though they had been built by the Creator (Brahma) himself.

Beautiful, charming and commodious as the palaces were, they had their courtyards inworked with crystal, and every gate thereof was provided with doors of gold embossed with diamonds.

दोहा | Dohas:

 चारु चित्रसाला गृह गृह प्रति लिखे बनाइ।
राम चरित जे निरख मुनि ते मन लेहिं चोराइ॥27॥

cāru citrasālā gṛha gṛha prati likhē banāi.
rāma carita jē nirakha muni tē mana lēhiṃ cōrāi..27..

Every house equipped with a hall adorned with lovely frescos which had Sri Rama’s exploits reproduced in such beautiful colours that they would ravish the soul of a sage who looked at them.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 सुमन बाटिका सबहिं लगाईं। बिबिध भाँति करि जतन बनाईं॥
लता ललित बहु जाति सुहाईं। फूलहिं सदा बसंत कि नाईं॥1॥

sumana bāṭikā sabahiṃ lagāī. bibidha bhāomti kari jatana banāī..
latā lalita bahu jāti suhāī. phūlahiṃ sadā baṃsata ki nāī..

Everyone had a flower garden planted in a characteristic design and trimmed with the greatest care, in which beautiful and lovely creepers of every variety blossomed all the year round as in the vernal season.

गुंजत मधुकर मुखर मनोहर। मारुत त्रिबिधि सदा बह सुंदर।
नाना खग बालकन्हि जिआए। बोलत मधुर उड़ात सुहाए॥2॥

guṃjata madhukara mukhara manōhara. māruta tribidha sadā baha suṃdara..
nānā khaga bālakanhi jiāē. bōlata madhura uḍaāta suhāē..

Bees hummed in a pleasant strain and a delightful breeze breathed cool, soft and fragrant. Birds of all kinds, reared by the children, sang in melodious notes and looked graceful in their flight.

 मोर हंस सारस पारावत। भवननि पर सोभा अति पावत॥
जहँ तहँ देखहिं निज परिछाहीं। बहु बिधि कूजहिं नृत्य कराहीं॥3॥

mōra haṃsa sārasa pārāvata. bhavanani para sōbhā ati pāvata..
jahaom tahaom dēkhahiṃ nija parichāhīṃ. bahu bidhi kūjahiṃ nṛtya karāhīṃ..

Peacocks, swans, cranes and pigeons presented a most lovely sight on the houses, warbling and dancing in a variety of ways at the sight of their own shadow reflected everywhere (on the glossy surface of the roofs and balconies etc.).

सुक सारिका पढ़ावहिं बालक। कहहु राम रघुपति जनपालक॥
राज दुआर सकल बिधि चारू। बीथीं चौहट रुचिर बजारू॥4॥

suka sārikā paḍhaāvahiṃ bālaka. kahahu rāma raghupati janapālaka..
rāja duāra sakala bidhi cārū. bīthīṃ cauhaṭa rūcira bajārū..

The children taught parrots and Mainas to repeat the words, “Rama, Raghupati (the Lord of the Raghus), the Protector of His devotees.” The gates of the royal palace were magnificent in everyway; the streets, cross-roads and bazars were all splendid.

छंद :

 बाजार रुचिर न बनइ बरनत बस्तु बिनु गथ पाइए।
जहँ भूप रमानिवास तहँ की संपदा किमि गाइए॥
बैठे बजाज सराफ बनिक अनेक मनहुँ कुबेर ते।
सब सुखी सब सच्चरि सुंदर नारि नर सिसु जरठ जे॥

bājāra rucira na banai baranata bastu binu gatha pāiē.
jahaom bhūpa ramānivāsa tahaom kī saṃpadā kimi gāiē..
baiṭhē bajāja sarāpha banika anēka manahuom kubēra tē.
saba sukhī saba saccarita suṃdara nāri nara sisu jaraṭha jē..

The bazars were splendid beyond description; things could be had without any consideration there. How can anyone describe the wealth of the city where the Abode of Laksmi Himself reigned as King?

The cloth- merchants, bankers and other dealers sat at their shops like so many Kuberas (gods of riches). All men and women, children and aged folk alike were happy, all of good conduct and comely in appearance.

दोहा | Dohas:

 उत्तर दिसि सरजू बह निर्मल जल गंभीर।
बाँधे घाट मनोहर स्वल्प पंक नहिं तीर॥28॥

uttara disi sarajū baha nirmala jala gaṃbhīra.
bāomdhē ghāṭa manōhara svalpa paṃka nahiṃ tīra..28..

To the north (of the city) flowed the deep and limpid stream of the Sarayu with a line of charming Ghatas and no trace of mud at the bank.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 दूरि फराक रुचिर सो घाटा। जहँ जल पिअहिं बाजि गज ठाटा॥
पनिघट परम मनोहर नाना। तहाँ न पुरुष करहिं अस्नाना॥1॥

dūri pharāka rucira sō ghāṭā. jahaom jala piahiṃ bāji gaja ṭhāṭā..
panighaṭa parama manōhara nānā. tahāom na puruṣa karahiṃ asnānā..

Apart from the other Ghatas and situated at some distance from them was the fine Ghata where multitudes of horses and elephants went to drink. There were numerous most charming Ghatas for women to take water from, where men did not bathe.

 राजघाट सब बिधि सुंदर बर। मज्जहिं तहाँ बरन चारिउ नर॥
तीर तीर देवन्ह के मंदिर। चहुँ दिसि तिन्ह के उपबन सुंदर॥2॥

rājaghāṭa saba bidhi suṃdara bara. majjahiṃ tahāom barana cāriu nara..
tīra tīra dēvanha kē maṃdira. cahuom disi tinha kē upabana suṃdara..

The best of all and beautiful in everyway was the royal Ghata, where men of all the four castes could bathe. All along the bank stood temples sacred to the gods and surrounded by lovely groves.

 कहुँ कहुँ सरिता तीर उदासी। बसहिं ग्यान रत मुनि संन्यासी॥
तीर तीर तुलसिका सुहाई। बृंद बृंद बहु मुनिन्ह लगाई॥3॥

kahuom kahuom saritā tīra udāsī. basahiṃ gyāna rata muni saṃnyāsī..
tīra tīra tulasikā suhāī. bṛṃda bṛṃda bahu muninha lagāī..

Here and there on the river bank dwelt sages and recluses unconcerned with the world and devoted to spiritual wisdom. All along the bank stood in clusters many a lovely Tulasi plant reared by hermits.

 पुर सोभा कछु बरनि न जाई। बाहेर नगर परम रुचिराई॥
देखत पुरी अखिल अघ भागा। बन उपबन बापिका तड़ागा॥4॥

pura sōbhā kachu barani na jāī. bāhēra nagara parama rucirāī..
dēkhata purī akhila agha bhāgā. bana upabana bāpikā taḍaāgā..

The splendour of the city defied all description; its outskirts too were most picturesque. The very sight of the city with its groves and gardens, wells and ponds, drove away all one’s sins.

छंद :

 बापीं तड़ाग अनूप कूप मनोहरायत सोहहीं।
सोपान सुंदर नीर निर्मल देखि सुर मुनि मोहहीं॥
बहु रंग कंज अनेक खग कूजहिं मधुप गुंजारहीं।
आराम रम्य पिकादि खग रव जनु पथिक हंकारहीं॥

bāpīṃ taḍaāga anūpa kūpa manōharāyata sōhahīṃ.
sōpāna suṃdara nīra nirmala dēkhi sura muni mōhahīṃ..
bahu raṃga kaṃja anēka khaga kūjahiṃ madhupa guṃjārahīṃ.
ārāma ramya pikādi khaga rava janu pathika haṃkārahīṃ..

Its peerless ponds and tanks and charming and spacious wells looked so beautiful with their elegant flights of steps and transparent water that even gods and sages were fascinated by their sight.

The lakes were adorned with many-coloured lotuses and resounded with the cooing of the numerous birds and the humming of the bees; and the delightful gardens seemed to invite the passers-by through the notes of the cuckoos and other birds.

दोहा | Dohas:

 रमानाथ जहँ राजा सो पुर बरनि कि जाइ।
अनिमादिक सुख संपदा रहीं अवध सब छाइ॥29॥

ramānātha jahaom rājā sō pura barani ki jāi.
animādika sukha saṃpadā rahīṃ avadha saba chāi..29.

Is it ever possible to describe the city of which Rama’s lord was the King ? Anima (the power of assuming atomic size) and all other superhuman powers and even so joys and riches of every kind stayed in Ayodhya forever.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 जहँ तहँ नर रघुपति गुन गावहिं। बैठि परसपर इहइ सिखावहिं॥
भजहु प्रनत प्रतिपालक रामहि। सोभा सील रूप गुन धामहि॥1॥

jahaom tahaom nara raghupati guna gāvahiṃ. baiṭhi parasapara ihai sikhāvahiṃ..
bhajahu pranata pratipālaka rāmahi. sōbhā sīla rūpa guna dhāmahi..

Everywhere men sang the praises of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), and even as they sat this is how they exhorted one another: “Worship Sri Rama, the Protector of the suppliant, the home of elegance, amiability, beauty and goodness,

 जलज बिलोचन स्यामल गातहि। पलक नयन इव सेवक त्रातहि॥
धृत सर रुचिर चाप तूनीरहि। संत कंज बन रबि रनधीरहि॥2॥

jalaja bilōcana syāmala gātahi. palaka nayana iva sēvaka trātahi..
dhṛta sara rucira cāpa tūnīrahi. saṃta kaṃja bana rabi ranadhīrahi..

who has lotus-like eyes and swarthy limbs, who looks after His servants even as the eyelids guard the eyeballs, who is armed with a splendid bow, arrows and quiver and is staunch in battle, who delights the saints even as the sun brings joy to a bed of lotuses,

 काल कराल ब्याल खगराजहि। नमत राम अकाम ममता जहि॥
लोभ मोह मृगजूथ किरातहि। मनसिज करि हरि जन सुखदातहि॥3॥

kāla karāla byāla khagarājahi. namata rāma akāma mamatā jahi..
lōbha mōha mṛgajūtha kirātahi. manasija kari hari jana sukhadātahi..

who is a Garuda (the king of the birds) to devour the dreadful serpent in the shape of Death, who destroys the feeling of mineness the moment a person bows to Him in a disinterested spirit, and who is a hunter to kill the herd of deer in the shape of greed and infatuation, a lion to quell the elephant of concupiscence,

 संसय सोक निबिड़ तम भानुहि। दनुज गहन घन दहन कृसानुहि॥
जनकसुता समेत रघुबीरहि। कस न भजहु भंजन भव भीरहि॥4॥

saṃsaya sōka nibiḍa tama bhānuhi. danuja gahana ghana dahana kṛsānuhi..
janakasutā samēta raghubīrahi. kasa na bhajahu bhaṃjana bhava bhīrahi..

the delight of His servants, a sun to scatter the thick darkness of doubt and sorrow, and a fire to consume the dense forest of the demon race. Oh, why should you not adore the Hero of Raghu’s line, who is ever accompanied by Janaka’s Daughter, who dispels the fear of transmigration,

बहु बासना मसक हिम रासिहि। सदा एकरस अज अबिनासिहि॥
मुनि रंजन भंजन महि भारहि। तुलसिदास के प्रभुहि उदारहि॥5॥

bahu bāsanā masaka hima rāsihi. sadā ēkarasa aja abināsihi..
muni raṃjana bhaṃjana mahi bhārahi. tulasidāsa kē prabhuhi udārahi..

who plays the role of frost to destroy mosquitoes in the disguise of manifold latent desires, who is ever unchangeable, unborn and imperishable, the delight of the sages, the reliever of the earth’s burdens, the munificent lord of Tulasidasa.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 एहि बिधि नगर नारि नर करहिं राम गुन गान।
सानुकूल सब पर रहहिं संतत कृपानिधान॥30॥

ēhi bidhi nagara nāri nara karahiṃ rāma guna gāna.
sānukūla saba para rahahiṃ saṃtata kṛpānidhāna..30..

In this way the men and women of the city sang Sri Rama’s praises and the Allmerciful was ever propitious to all.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 जब ते राम प्रताप खगेसा। उदित भयउ अति प्रबल दिनेसा॥
पूरि प्रकास रहेउ तिहुँ लोका। बहुतेन्ह सुख बहुतन मन सोका॥1॥

jaba tē rāma pratāpa khagēsā. udita bhayau ati prabala dinēsā..
pūri prakāsa rahēu tihuom lōkā. bahutēnha sukha bahutana mana sōkā..

From the time, O king of the birds, (continues Kakabhusundi,) the most dazzling sun of Sri Rama’s glory appeared on the horizon the three spheres were all flooded with light, which brought delight to many and sorrow to many others.

 जिन्हहि सोक ते कहउँ बखानी। प्रथम अबिद्या निसा नसानी॥
अघ उलूक जहँ तहाँ लुकाने। काम क्रोध कैरव सकुचाने॥2॥ `

jinhahi sōka tē kahauom bakhānī. prathama abidyā nisā nasānī..
agha ulūka jahaom tahāom lukānē. kāma krōdha kairava sakucānē..

First I enumerate at length those to whom it caused sorrow. To begin with, the night of ignorance terminated; the owl-like sins hid themselves wherever they could; the white lily in the shape of lust and anger closed.

 बिबिध कर्म गुन काल सुभाउ। ए चकोर सुख लहहिं न काऊ॥
मत्सर मान मोह मद चोरा। इन्ह कर हुनर न कवनिहुँ ओरा॥3॥

bibidha karma guna kāla subhāū. ē cakōra sukha lahahiṃ na kāū..
matsara māna mōha mada cōrā. inha kara hunara na kavanihuom ōrā..

Cakora birds in the shape of activities of various kinds, the phenomenal existence, Time and Nature never rejoiced; thieves like jealousy, pride, infatuation and arrogance had no occasion to display their skill in any quarter;

 धरम तड़ाग ग्यान बिग्याना। ए पंकज बिकसे बिधि नाना॥
सुख संतोष बिराग बिबेका। बिगत सोक ए कोक अनेका॥4॥

dharama taḍaāga gyāna bigyānā. ē paṃkaja bikasē bidhi nānā..
sukha saṃtōṣa birāga bibēkā. bigata sōka ē kōka anēkā..

lotuses of every description in the shape of knowledge and realization opened in the pond of piety. Happiness, contentment, dispassion and discernment, like so many Cakravaka birds, were rid of sorrow.

दोहा | Dohas:

 यह प्रताप रबि जाकें उर जब करइ प्रकास।
पछिले बाढ़हिं प्रथम जे कहे ते पावहिं नास॥31॥

yaha pratāpa rabi jākēṃ ura jaba karai prakāsa.
pachilē bāḍhahiṃ prathama jē kahē tē pāvahiṃ nāsa..31..

When the sun of Sri Rama’s glory illumines the heart of an individual, the qualities enumerated in the end grow while those mentioned in the beginning die away.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 भ्रातन्ह सहित रामु एक बारा। संग परम प्रिय पवनकुमारा॥
सुंदर उपबन देखन गए। सब तरु कुसुमित पल्लव नए॥1॥

bhrātanha sahita rāmu ēka bārā. saṃga parama priya pavanakumārā..
suṃdara upabana dēkhana gaē. saba taru kusumita pallava naē..

One day, Sri Rama and his brothers, accompanied by His most favourite Hanuman, went to see a beautiful grove, where the trees were all blossoming and had put on fresh leaves.

 जानि समय सनकादिक आए। तेज पुंज गुन सील सुहाए॥
ब्रह्मानंद सदा लयलीना। देखत बालक बहुकालीना॥2॥

jāni samaya sanakādika āē. tēja puṃja guna sīla suhāē..
brahmānaṃda sadā layalīnā. dēkhata bālaka bahukālīnā..

Finding it a good opportunity the sage Sanaka* and his three brothers (Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara) arrived there. They were all embodiments of spiritual glow, adorned with amiability and other noble qualities and constantly absorbed in the ecstasy of union with Brahma; though infants to all appearance, they are aeons old.

रूप धरें जनु चारिउ बेदा। समदरसी मुनि बिगत बिभेदा॥
आसा बसन ब्यसन यह तिन्हहीं। रघुपति चरित होइ तहँ सुनहीं॥3॥

rūpa dharēṃ janu cāriu bēdā. samadarasī muni bigata bibhēdā..
āsā basana byasana yaha tinhahīṃ. raghupati carita hōi tahaom sunahīṃ..

The sages looked upon all with the same eye and were above all diversity; it seemed as if the four Vedas had each assumed a bodily form. They had no covering on their body except the quarters; and their only hobby was to hear the recital of Sri Rama’s exploits wherever it was carried on.

 तहाँ रहे सनकादि भवानी। जहँ घटसंभव मुनिबर ग्यानी॥
राम कथा मुनिबर बहु बरनी। ग्यान जोनि पावक जिमि अरनी॥4॥

tahāom rahē sanakādi bhavānī. jahaom ghaṭasaṃbhava munibara gyānī..
rāma kathā munibara bahu baranī. gyāna jōni pāvaka jimi aranī..

Sanaka and his brothers, O Bhavani, (continues Lord Siva,) had stayed in the hermitage of the enlightened sage Agastya and the noble sage had narrated to them many a story relating to Sri Rama, which are productive of wisdom in the same way as the friction of two pieces of wood produces fire.

दोहा | Dohas:

 देखि राम मुनि आवत हरषि दंडवत कीन्ह।
स्वागत पूँछि पीत पट प्रभु बैठन कहँ दीन्ह॥32॥

dēkhi rāma muni āvata haraṣi daṃḍavata kīnha.
svāgata pūomchi pīta paṭa prabhu baiṭhana kahaom dīnha..32..

Sri Rama saw the sages approaching and gladly prostrated Himself before them. And after an enquiry about their health etc., the Lord spread His own yellow scarf for them to squat on.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

कीन्ह दंडवत तीनिउँ भाई। सहित पवनसुत सुख अधिकाई॥
मुनि रघुपति छबि अतुल बिलोकी। भए मगन मन सके न रोकी॥1॥

kīnha daṃḍavata tīniuom bhāī. sahita pavanasuta sukha adhikāī..
muni raghupati chabi atula bilōkī. bhaē magana mana sakē na rōkī..

All His three brothers (Bharata, Laksmana and Satrughna) then prostrated themselves alongwith Hanuman and everyone felt very happy. The sages were beside themselves with rapture on beholding the incomparable beauty of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus).

स्यामल गात सरोरुह लोचन। सुंदरता मंदिर भव मोचन॥
एकटक रहे निमेष न लावहिं। प्रभु कर जोरें सीस नवावहिं॥2॥
syāmala gāta sarōruha lōcana. suṃdaratā maṃdira bhava mōcana..
ēkaṭaka rahē nimēṣa na lāvahiṃ. prabhu kara jōrēṃ sīsa navāvahiṃ..

They remained gazing with unwinking eyes on the Lord, who is the abode of comeliness and brings about release from worldly existence and has a swarthy form and lotus-eyes . The Lord in His turn bowed His head with joined palms.

तिन्ह कै दसा देखि रघुबीरा। स्रवत नयन जल पुलक सरीरा॥
कर गहि प्रभु मुनिबर बैठारे। परम मनोहर बचन उचारे॥3॥
tinha kai dasā dēkhi raghubīrā. stravata nayana jala pulaka sarīrā..
kara gahi prabhu munibara baiṭhārē. parama manōhara bacana ucārē..

When the Hero of Raghu’s line perceived their condition, His eyes too streamed with tears and every hair on His body stood on its end. Taking them by the hand, the Lord seated them and addressed them in most charming words :

आजु धन्य मैं सुनहु मुनीसा। तुम्हरें दरस जाहिं अघ खीसा॥
बड़े भाग पाइब सतसंगा। बिनहिं प्रयास होहिं भव भंगा॥4॥
āju dhanya maiṃ sunahu munīsā. tumharēṃ darasa jāhiṃ agha khīsā..
baḍaē bhāga pāiba satasaṃgā. binahiṃ prayāsa hōhiṃ bhava bhaṃgā..

“Listen, great sages: I am indeed blessed today. By your very sight all one’s sins are wiped out. By extreme good luck one is able to secure the company of saints; for through such communion the chain of births and deaths is broken without the least exertion.

दोहा | Dohas:

संत संग अपबर्ग कर कामी भव कर पंथ।
कहहिं संत कबि कोबिद श्रुति पुरान सदग्रंथ॥33॥
saṃta saṃga apabarga kara kāmī bhava kara paṃtha.
kahahi saṃta kabi kōbida śruti purāna sadagraṃtha..33..

Communion with saints is the road to emancipation, while that of the sensualist paves the way for transmigration: so declare the saints themselves, the men of wisdom and the learned, as well as the Vedas, Puranas and other real scriptures.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

सुनि प्रभु बचन हरषि मुनि चारी। पुलकित तन अस्तुति अनुसारी॥
जय भगवंत अनंत अनामय। अनघ अनेक एक करुनामय॥1॥
suni prabhu bacana haraṣi muni cārī. pulakita tana astuti anusārī..
jaya bhagavaṃta anaṃta anāmaya. anagha anēka ēka karunāmaya..

The four sages were all rejoiced to hear the Lord’s words and with every hair on their body standing erect they proceeded to hymn His praises : “Glory to the Almighty Lord, who is infinite, immutable and sinless, who is one as well as many and allgracious ! Glory to the Lord who is beyond the modes of Prakrti !

जय निर्गुन जय जय गुन सागर। सुख मंदिर सुंदर अति नागर॥
जय इंदिरा रमन जय भूधर। अनुपम अज अनादि सोभाकर॥2॥
jaya nirguna jaya jaya guna sāgara. sukha maṃdira suṃdara ati nāgara..
jaya iṃdirā ramana jaya bhūdhara. anupama aja anādi sōbhākara..

Glory, glory to the Ocean of goodness, the Abode of bliss, handsome and most urbane in manners. Glory to Indira’s (Laksmi’s) Spouse ! Glory to the Supporter of the earth, peerless, unborn and dateless, a mine of elegance.

ग्यान निधान अमान मानप्रद। पावन सुजस पुरान बेद बद॥
तग्य कृतग्य अग्यता भंजन। नाम अनेक अनाम निरंजन॥3॥
gyāna nidhāna amāna mānaprada. pāvana sujasa purāna bēda bada..
tagya kṛtagya agyatā bhaṃjana. nāma anēka anāma niraṃjana..

A storehouse of wisdom that You are, You are free from pride and yet bestow honour on others : the Vedas and Purana’s sing Your sanctifying glory. Knower of Truth, You acknowledge the services of Your devotees and destroy their ignorance. Untainted by Maya, You bear numberless names and are yet beyond all.

सर्ब सर्बगत सर्ब उरालय। बससि सदा हम कहुँ परिपालय
द्वंद बिपति भव फंद बिभंजय। हृदि बसि राम काम मद गंजय॥4॥
sarba sarbagata sarba urālaya. basasi sadā hama kahuom paripālaya..
dvaṃda bipati bhava phaṃda bibhaṃjaya. hradi basi rāma kāma mada gaṃjaya..

You are manifest as all, pervade all and dwell in the heart of all; therefore, protect us every moment. Break asunder the bonds in the form of pairs of opposites (such as heat and cold, joy and sorrow, etc.,) adversity and mundane existence; and abiding in our heart, O Rama, eradicate our sensuality and vanity.

दोहा | Dohas:

परमानंद कृपायतन मन परिपूरन काम।
प्रेम भगति अनपायनी देहु हमहि श्रीराम॥34॥
paramānaṃda kṛpāyatana mana paripūrana kāma.
prēma bhagati anapāyanī dēhu hamahi śrīrāma..34..

You are supreme bliss personified and the abode of mercy and fulfil the desire of Your devotees’ heart. Pray, grant me the boon of unceasing love and devotion (to Your feet), O graceful Rama.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

देहु भगति रघुपति अति पावनि। त्रिबिधि ताप भव दाप नसावनि॥
प्रनत काम सुरधेनु कलपतरु। होइ प्रसन्न दीजै प्रभु यह बरु॥1॥
dēhu bhagati raghupati ati pāvani. tribidha tāpa bhava dāpa nasāvani..
pranata kāma suradhēnu kalapataru. hōi prasanna dījai prabhu yaha baru..

“Bestow on us, O Lord of the Raghus, that most sanctifying devotion which destroys the threefold agony and the turmoils of transmigration. A celestial cow and a wish-yielding tree to satisfy the desires of the suppliant, be propitious, my lord, and grant this boon.

भव बारिधि कुंभज रघुनायक। सेवत सुलभ सकल सुख दायक॥
मन संभव दारुन दुख दारय। दीनबंधु समता बिस्तारय॥2॥
bhava bāridhi kuṃbhaja raghunāyaka. sēvata sulabha sakala sukha dāyaka..
mana saṃbhava dāruna dukha dāraya. dīnabaṃdhu samatā bistāraya..

A veritable jar-born sage (Agastya) to suck up the ocean of mundane existence, O Chief of the Raghus, You are easy of access to those who adore You and bestow all blessings on them. Put an end to the terrible sufferings caused by the mind and diffuse even-mindedness in us, O befriender of the meek.

आस त्रास इरिषाद निवारक। बिनय बिबेक बिरति बिस्तारक॥
भूप मौलि मनि मंडन धरनी। देहि भगति संसृति सरि तरनी॥3॥
āsa trāsa iriṣādi nivāraka. binaya bibēka birati bistāraka..
bhūpa mauli mana maṃḍana dharanī. dēhi bhagati saṃsṛti sari taranī..

O banisher of hope (of gratifying oneself through self-indulgence), fear, jealousy etc., and propagator of humility, right judgment and dispassion, crest-jewel of earthly kings, and ornament of the globe, grant us devotion to Your feet, which serves as a boat to take one across the river of mundane existence.

मुनि मन मानस हंस निरंतर। चरन कमल बंदित अज संकर॥
रघुकुल केतु सेतु श्रुति रच्छक। काल करम सुभाउ गुन भच्छक॥4॥
muni mana mānasa haṃsa niraṃtara. carana kamala baṃdita aja saṃkara..
raghukula kētu sētu śruti racchaka. kāla karama subhāu guna bhacchaka..

A swan that You are, constantly residing in the Manasa lake of the sages’ mind, Your lotus feet are adored even by Brahma and Lord Sankara. Glory of Raghu’s race, custodian of the Vedic laws, devourer of time, destiny, Prakrti (Primordial Nature) and the three Gunas.

तारन तरन हरन सब दूषन। तुलसिदास प्रभु त्रिभुवन भूषन॥5॥
tārana tarana harana saba dūṣana. tulasidāsa prabhu tribhuvana bhūṣana..

You are both the boatman and the boat to take Your devotees across the ocean of metempsychosis and the stealer of all vices, the lord of Tulasidasa, the jewel of the three spheres.”

दोहा | Dohas:

बार-बार अस्तुति करि प्रेम सहित सिरु नाइ।
ब्रह्म भवन सनकादि गे अति अभीष्ट बर पाइ॥35॥
bāra bāra astuti kari prēma sahita siru nāi.
brahma bhavana sanakādi gē ati abhīṣṭa bara pāi..35..

Having thus extolled the Lord again and again, Sanaka and his three brothers lovingly bowed their head and, having obtained their most cherished boon, returned to Brahma’s abode.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

सनकादिक बिधि लोक सिधाए। भ्रातन्ह राम चरन सिर नाए॥
पूछत प्रभुहि सकल सकुचाहीं। चितवहिं सब मारुतसुत पाहीं॥1॥
sanakādika bidhi lōka sidhāē. bhrātanha rāma carana siru nāē..
pūchata prabhuhi sakala sakucāhīṃ. citavahiṃ saba mārutasuta pāhīṃ..

When Sanaka and his brothers had left for Brahma’s abode, the three brothers (Bharata, Laksmana and Satrughna) bowed their head at Sri Rama’s feet; but being too modest themselves to interrogate the Lord, they all looked at the Hanuman Ji (son of the wind-god).

सुनी चहहिं प्रभु मुख कै बानी। जो सुनि होइ सकल भ्रम हानी॥
अंतरजामी प्रभु सभ जाना। बूझत कहहु काह हनुमाना॥2॥
suni cahahiṃ prabhu mukha kai bānī. jō suni hōi sakala bhrama hānī..
aṃtarajāmī prabhu sabha jānā. būjhata kahahu kāha hanumānā..

They wished to hear from the Lord’s own mouth something which would eradicate all the misconceptions. The Lord, however, who regulates the internal feelings of all, came to know everything and enquired : “Tell me, Hanuman, what is the matter?”

जोरि पानि कह तब हनुमंता। सुनहु दीनदयाल भगवंता॥
नाथ भरत कछु पूँछन चहहीं। प्रस्न करत मन सकुचत अहहीं॥3॥

jōri pāni kaha taba hanumaṃtā. sunahu dīnadayāla bhagavaṃtā..
nātha bharata kachu pūomchana cahahīṃ. prasna karata mana sakucata ahahīṃ..

Hanuman replied with joined palms, “Listen, O lord, compassionate as You are to the meek. Bharata, my lord, wishes to ask something; but he is too diffident at heart to put the question.”

तुम्ह जानहु कपि मोर सुभाऊ। भरतहि मोहि कछु अंतर काऊ॥
सुनि प्रभु बचन भरत गहे चरना। सुनहु नाथ प्रनतारति हरना॥4॥
tumha jānahu kapi mōra subhāū. bharatahi mōhi kachu aṃtara kāū..
suni prabhu bacana bharata gahē caranā. sunahu nātha pranatārati haranā..

“Hanuman, you know my disposition. Has there ever been any secrecy between Bharata and myself?” On hearing the Lord’s words Bharata clasped His feet.

दोहा | Dohas:

नाथ न मोहि संदेह कछु सपनेहुँ सोक न मोह।
केवल कृपा तुम्हारिहि कृपानंद संदोह॥36॥
nātha na mōhi saṃdēha kachu sapanēhuom sōka na mōha.
kēvala kṛpā tumhārihi kṛpānaṃda saṃdōha..36..

“I have no doubts whatever, my lord, nor have I ever known any dejection or infatuation even in a dream. It is all due to Your grace, O all-merciful and all blissful Lord.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

करउँ कृपानिधि एक ढिठाई। मैं सेवक तुम्ह जन सुखदाई॥
संतन्ह कै महिमा रघुराई। बहु बिधि बेद पुरानन्ह गाई॥1॥
karauom kṛpānidhi ēka ḍhiṭhāī. maiṃ sēvaka tumha jana sukhadāī..
saṃtanha kai mahimā raghurāī. bahu bidhi bēda purānanha gāī..

“Yet, O storehouse of compassion, I make bold to make one submission, I being Your servant and You the delight of Your devotees. The glory of the saints, O Lord of the Raghus, has been sung in various ways by the Vedas and Puranas.

श्रीमुख तुम्ह पुनि कीन्हि बड़ाई। तिन्ह पर प्रभुहि प्रीति अधिकाई॥
सुना चहउँ प्रभु तिन्ह कर लच्छन। कृपासिंधु गुन ग्यान बिचच्छन॥2॥
śrīmukha tumha puni kīnhi baḍaāī. tinha para prabhuhi prīti adhikāī..
sunā cahauom prabhu tinha kara lacchana. kṛpāsiṃdhu guna gyāna bicacchana..

You too have exalted them by Your own graceful mouth and my lord bears great affection for them. I would fain hear, my lord, their distinctive marks, O Ocean of compassion, conspicuous as You are by Your excellences and wisdom.

संत असंत भेद बिलगाई। प्रनतपाल मोहि कहहु बुझाई॥
संतन्ह के लच्छन सुनु भ्राता। अगनित श्रुति पुरान बिख्याता॥3॥
saṃta asaṃta bhēda bilagāī. pranatapāla mōhi kahahu bujhāī..
saṃtanha kē lacchana sunu bhrātā. aganita śruti purāna bikhyātā..

O protector of the suppliant, tell me clearly and severally the distinguishing traits of the good and the wicked.” “Hear, brother, the characteristics of saints, which as told in the Vedas and Puranas are innumerable.

संत असंतन्हि कै असि करनी। जिमि कुठार चंदन आचरनी॥
काटइ परसु मलय सुनु भाई। निज गुन देइ सुगंध बसाई॥4॥
saṃta asaṃtanhi kai asi karanī. jimi kuṭhāra caṃdana ācaranī..
kāṭai parasu malaya sunu bhāī. nija guna dēi sugaṃdha basāī..

The conduct of saints and the wicked is analogous to that of sandalwood and the axe. Mark, brother : the axe cuts down a sandal-tree, while the latter in its turn perfumes the axe by imparting its virtue (fragrance) to it.”

दोहा | Dohas:

ताते सुर सीसन्ह चढ़त जग बल्लभ श्रीखंड।
अनल दाहि पीटत घनहिं परसु बदन यह दंड॥37॥
tātē sura sīsanha caḍhata jaga ballabha śrīkhaṃḍa.
anala dāhi pīṭata ghanahiṃ parasu badana yaha daṃḍa..37..

“For this reason sandalwood (in the form of paste) finds its way to the head of gods (their images) and is loved by the world so much; while the axe has its steel edge heated in the fire and beaten with a hammer as punishment.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

बिषय अलंपट सील गुनाकर। पर दुख दुख सुख सुख देखे पर॥
सम अभूतरिपु बिमद बिरागी। लोभामरष हरष भय त्यागी॥1॥
`biṣaya alaṃpaṭa sīla gunākara. para dukha dukha sukha sukha dēkhē para..
sama abhūtaripu bimada birāgī. lōbhāmaraṣa haraṣa bhaya tyāgī..

“Saints as a rule have no hankering for the pleasures of sense and are the very mines of amiability and other virtues. They grieve to see others in distress and rejoice at the sight of others’ joy. They are even-minded and look upon none as their enemy. Free from vanity and passion, they are conquerers of greed, anger, joy and fear.

कोमलचित दीनन्ह पर दाया। मन बच क्रम मम भगति अमाया॥
सबहि मानप्रद आपु अमानी। भरत प्रान सम मम ते प्रानी॥2॥
kōmalacita dīnanha para dāyā. mana baca krama mama bhagati amāyā..
sabahi mānaprada āpu amānī. bharata prāna sama mama tē prānī..

Tender of heart and compassionate to the distressed, they cherish guileless devotion to Me in thought, word and deed; and giving honour to all, they are modest themselves. Such souls, Bharata, are dear to Me as life.

बिगत काम मम नाम परायन। सांति बिरति बिनती मुदितायन॥
सीतलता सरलता मयत्री। द्विज पद प्रीति धर्म जनयत्री॥3॥
bigata kāma mama nāma parāyana. sāṃti birati binatī muditāyana..
sītalatā saralatā mayatrī. dvija pada prīti dharma janayatrī..

Having no interested motive of their own they are devoted to My Name and are abodes of tranquillity, dispassion, humility and good humour. Placidity, guilelessness, friendliness and devotion to the feet of the Brahmanas, which is the fountain of all virtues.

ए सब लच्छन बसहिं जासु उर। जानेहु तात संत संतत फुर॥
सम दम नियम नीति नहिं डोलहिं। परुष बचन कबहूँ नहिं बोलहिं॥4॥
ē saba lacchana basahiṃ jāsu ura. jānēhu tāta saṃta saṃtata phura..
sama dama niyama nīti nahiṃ ḍōlahiṃ. paruṣa bacana kabahūom nahiṃ bōlahiṃ..

know him for all time, dear brother, a genuine saint, whose heart is a home of all such noble qualities as mentioned. They never swerve from the control of their mind and senses, religious observances and correct behaviour and never utter a harsh word.”

दोहा | Dohas:

निंदा अस्तुति उभय सम ममता मम पद कंज।
ते सज्जन मम प्रानप्रिय गुन मंदिर सुख पुंज॥38॥
niṃdā astuti ubhaya sama mamatā mama pada kaṃja.
tē sajjana mama prānapriya guna maṃdira sukha puṃja..38..

“They who regard both obloquy and praise alike and who claim My lotus feet as their only possession-such saintly souls are dear to Me as life and are veritable abodes of noble qualities and embodiments of bliss.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

सुनहु असंतन्ह केर सुभाऊ। भूलेहुँ संगति करिअ न काऊ॥
तिन्ह कर संग सदा दुखदाई। जिमि कपिलहि घालइ हरहाई॥1॥
sanahu asaṃtanha kēra subhāū. bhūlēhuom saṃgati karia na kāū..
tinha kara saṃga sadā dukhadāī. jimi kalapahi ghālai harahāī..

“Now hear the characteristics of the impious, association with whom should be scrupulously avoided; for their company ever brings woe, even as a wicked cow ruins by her company a cow of noble breed.

खलन्ह हृदयँ अति ताप बिसेषी। जरहिं सदा पर संपति देखी॥
जहँ कहुँ निंदा सुनहिं पराई। हरषहिं मनहुँ परी निधि पाई॥2॥
khalanha hṛdayaom ati tāpa bisēṣī. jarahiṃ sadā para saṃpati dēkhī..
jahaom kahuom niṃdā sunahiṃ parāī. haraṣahiṃ manahuom parī nidhi pāī..

The heart of the wicked suffers terrible agony; for they ever burn at the sight of others’ prosperity. Wherever they hear others reviled, they feel delighted as though they had stumbled upon a treasure lying on the road.

काम क्रोध मद लोभ परायन। निर्दय कपटी कुटिल मलायन॥
बयरु अकारन सब काहू सों। जो कर हित अनहित ताहू सों॥3॥
kāma krōdha mada lōbha parāyana. nirdaya kapaṭī kuṭila malāyana..
bayaru akārana saba kāhū sōṃ. jō kara hita anahita tāhū sōṃ..

Devoted to sensuality, anger, arrogance and greed, they are merciless, deceitful, crooked and impure. They bear enmity towards all without rhyme or reason; nay, they behave inimically even with those who are actively kind to them.

झूठइ लेना झूठइ देना। झूठइ भोजन झूठ चबेना।
बोलहिं मधुर बचन जिमि मोरा। खाइ महा अहि हृदय कठोरा॥4॥
jhūṭhai lēnā jhūṭhai dēnā. jhūṭhai bhōjana jhūṭha cabēnā..
bōlahiṃ madhura bacana jimi mōrā. khāi mahā ati hṛdaya kaṭhōrā..

They are false in their dealings (lying is their stock-in-trade); nay, falsehood is their dinner and falsehood their breakfast (whatever they eat is intended to deceive others). They speak honeyed words just like the peacock, that has a stony heart and devours the most venomous snake.”

दोहा | Dohas:

पर द्रोही पर दार रत पर धन पर अपबाद।
ते नर पाँवर पापमय देह धरें मनुजाद॥39॥
para drōhī para dāra rata para dhana para apabāda.
tē nara pāomvara pāpamaya dēha dharēṃ manujāda..39..

“Malevolent by nature, they enjoy others’ wives and others’ wealth and take delight in slandering others. Such vile and sinful men are demons in human garb.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

लोभइ ओढ़न लोभइ डासन। सिस्नोदर पर जमपुर त्रास न॥
काहू की जौं सुनहिं बड़ाई। स्वास लेहिं जनु जूड़ी आई॥1॥
lōbhai ōḍhana lōbhai ḍāsana. sistrōdara para jamapura trāsa na..
kāhū kī jauṃ sunahiṃ baḍaāī. svāsa lēhiṃ janu jūḍaī āī..

“Greed is their covering and greed their bedding (they wallow in greed; they are ever given up to sexual enjoyment and gluttony and have no fear of punishment in the abode of Yama (the god of death). If they ever hear anyone exalted, they heave a deep sigh as though they had an attack of ague.

जब काहू कै देखहिं बिपती। सुखी भए मानहुँ जग नृपती॥
स्वारथ रत परिवार बिरोधी। लंपट काम लोभ अति क्रोधी॥2॥

jaba kāhū kai dēkhahiṃ bipatī. sukhī bhaē mānahuom jaga nṛpatī..
svāratha rata parivāra birōdhī. laṃpaṭa kāma lōbha ati krōdhī..

On the other hand, when they find anyone in distress, they rejoice as though they had attained the sovereignty of the whole world. Devoted to their own selfish interests, they antagonize their kinsfolk, are given up to sensuality and greed and are most irascible.

मातु पिता गुर बिप्र न मानहिं। आपु गए अरु घालहिं आनहिं॥
करहिं मोह बस द्रोह परावा। संत संग हरि कथा न भावा॥3॥
mātu pitā gura bipra na mānahiṃ. āpu gaē aru ghālahiṃ ānahiṃ..
karahiṃ mōha basa drōha parāvā. saṃta saṃga hari kathā na bhāvā..

They recognize neither mother nor father nor preceptor nor the Brahmanas; utterly ruined themselves, they bring ruin upon others. Overcome by infatuation they bear malice to others and have no love for communion with saints nor for the stories relating to Sri Hari.

अवगुन सिंधु मंदमति कामी। बेद बिदूषक परधन स्वामी॥
बिप्र द्रोह पर द्रोह बिसेषा। दंभ कपट जियँ धरें सुबेषा॥4॥
avaguna siṃdhu maṃdamati kāmī. bēda bidūṣaka paradhana svāmī..
bipra drōha para drōha bisēṣā. daṃbha kapaṭa jiyaom dharēṃ subēṣā..

Oceans of vice, dull-witted and lascivious, they revile the Vedas and usurp others’ wealth. Though bearing malice to all, they are enemies of the Brahmanas in particular; and full of hypocrisy and deceit at heart, they outwardly wear a saintly appearance.”

दोहा | Dohas:

ऐसे अधम मनुज खल कृतजुग त्रेताँ नाहिं।
द्वापर कछुक बृंद बहु होइहहिं कलिजुग माहिं॥40॥
aisē adhama manuja khala kṛtajuga trētā nāhiṃ.
dvāpara kachuka bṛṃda bahu hōihahiṃ kalijuga māhiṃ..40..

“Such vile and wicked men are absent in the Satya and Treta Yugas; a sprinkling of them will appear in Dvapara, while multitudes of them will crop forth in the Kali age.” (40)

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

पर हित सरिस धर्म नहिं भाई। पर पीड़ा सम नहिं अधमाई॥
निर्नय सकल पुरान बेद कर। कहेउँ तात जानहिं कोबिद नर॥1॥
para hita sarisa dharma nahiṃ bhāī. para pīḍaā sama nahiṃ adhamāī..
nirnaya sakala purāna bēda kara. kahēuom tāta jānahiṃ kōbida nara..

Brother, there is no virtue like benevolence, and no meanness like oppressing others. I have declared to you, dear brother, the verdict of all the Vedas and Puranas; the wise also know it.

नर सरीर धरि जे पर पीरा। करहिं ते सहहिं महा भव भीरा॥
लकरहिं मोह बस नर अघ नाना। स्वारथ रत परलोक नसाना॥2॥
nara sarīra dhari jē para pīrā. karahiṃ tē sahahiṃ mahā bhava bhīrā..
karahiṃ mōha basa nara agha nānā. svāratha rata paralōka nasānā..

They who inflict pain on others even after attaining the human body have to suffer the terrible pangs of birth and death. Dominated by infatuation and devoted to their selfish interest men commit various sins and thereby ruin their prospects in the next world.

कालरूप तिन्ह कहँ मैं भ्राता। सुभ अरु असुभ कर्म फलदाता॥
अस बिचारि जे परम सयाने। भजहिं मोहि संसृत दुख जाने॥3॥
kālarūpa tinha kahaom maiṃ bhrātā. subha aru asubha karma phala dātā..
asa bicāri jē parama sayānē. bhajahiṃ mōhi saṃsṛta dukha jānē..

Figuring as Yama (the god of death) for their sake, brother, I dispense the fruit of their good and evil actions. Realizing this, those who are supremely clever adore Me, knowing the cycle of births and deaths as full of pain.

त्यागहिं कर्म सुभासुभ दायक। भजहिं मोहि सुर नर मुनि नायक॥
संत असंतन्ह के गुन भाषे। ते न परहिं भव जिन्ह लखि राखे॥4॥
tyāgahiṃ karma subhāsubha dāyaka. bhajahiṃ mōhi sura nara muni nāyaka..
saṃta asaṃtanha kē guna bhāṣē. tē na parahiṃ bhava jinha lakhi rākhē..

They renounce actions which yield good or evil results and take refuge in Me, the lord of gods, men and sages. Thus I have told you the characteristics of saints and vile men. They who have fully comprehended them are no more subjected to the process of transmigration.

दोहा | Dohas:

सुनहु तात माया कृत गुन अरु दोष अनेक।
गुन यह उभय न देखिअहिं देखिअ सो अबिबेक॥41॥
sunahu tāta māyā kṛta guna aru dōṣa anēka.
guna yaha ubhaya na dēkhiahiṃ dēkhia sō abibēka..41..

“Listen, dear brother: the numerous merits and demerits are all products of Maya. The greatest merit is that they should cease to exist in one’s eye; to discern them is ignorance.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

श्रीमुख बचन सुनत सब भाई। हरषे प्रेम न हृदयँ समाई॥
करहिं बिनय अति बारहिं बारा। हनूमान हियँ हरष अपारा॥1॥
śrīmukha bacana sunata saba bhāī. haraṣē prēma na hṛdayaom samāī..
karahiṃ binaya ati bārahiṃ bārā. hanūmāna hiyaom haraṣa apārā..

All the three brothers (Bharata, Laksmana and Satrughna) rejoiced to hear these words from the blessed lips of the Lord and their heart overflowed with love. Again and again they showed Him profound reverence; there was immence joy in the heart of Hanuman in particular.

पुनि रघुपति निज मंदिर गए। एहि बिधि चरित करत नित नए॥
बार बार नारद मुनि आवहिं। चरित पुनीत राम के गावहिं॥2॥ `
puni raghupati nija maṃdira gaē. ēhi bidhi carita karata nita naē..
bāra bāra nārada muni āvahiṃ. carita punīta rāma kē gāvahiṃ..

The Lord of the Raghus then retired to His own palace. In this way He enacted some new sport everyday. The sage Narada paid frequent visits and sang Sri Rama’s holy exploits.

नित नव चरित देखि मुनि जाहीं। ब्रह्मलोक सब कथा कहाहीं॥
सुनि बिरंचि अतिसय सुख मानहिं। पुनि पुनि तात करहु गुन गानहिं॥3॥
nita nava carana dēkhi muni jāhīṃ. brahmalōka saba kathā kahāhīṃ..
suni biraṃci atisaya sukha mānahiṃ. puni puni tāta karahu guna gānahiṃ..

After witnessing fresh deeds everyday,the sage returned to Brahma’s abode and recited the whole story there. Viranci (the Creator) felt overjoyed to hear it and said, “Dear son, hymn His praises again and again.”

सनकादिक नारदहि सराहहिं। जद्यपि ब्रह्म निरत मुनि आहहिं॥
सुनि गुन गान समाधि बिसारी। सादर सुनहिं परम अधिकारी॥4॥
sanakādika nāradahi sarāhahiṃ. jadyapi brahma nirata muni āhahiṃ..
suni guna gāna samādhi bisārī.. sādara sunahiṃ parama adhikārī..

Sanaka and his three brothers extolled Narada : and, though absorbed in Brahma (the Infinite), the sages forgot their Samadhi (absorption) on hearing the hymn of praise to the Lord and listened to it with reverence, supremely qualified as they were.

दोहा | Dohas:

जीवनमुक्त ब्रह्मपर चरित सुनहिं तजि ध्यान।
जे हरि कथाँ न करहिं रति तिन्ह के हिय पाषान॥42॥
jīvanamukta brahmapara carita sunahiṃ taji dhyāna.
jē hari kathāom na karahiṃ rati tinha kē hiya pāṣāna..42..

Even those (like Sanaka and others) who are liberated though embodied and are absorbed in Brahma hear the narrative of Sri Rama even by interrupting their meditation (abstraction). Truly theirs must be a heart of stone, who take no delight in the stories of Sri Hari

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

एक बार रघुनाथ बोलाए। गुर द्विज पुरबासी सब आए॥
बैठे गुर मुनि अरु द्विज सज्जन। बोले बचन भगत भव भंजन॥1॥
ēka bāra raghunātha bōlāē. gura dvija purabāsī saba āē..
baiṭhē gura muni aru dvija sajjana. bōlē bacana bhagata bhava bhaṃjana..

One day, invited by the Lord of the Raghus, the preceptor (Vasistha) and other leading Brahmanas and all the other citizens assembled (in the royal court). When the preceptor and the other sages and Brahmanas as well as all other gentlemen had taken their seats, the Lord who puts an end to the round of births of His devotees, addressed them in the following words:-

सुनहु सकल पुरजन मम बानी। कहउँ न कछु ममता उर आनी॥
नहिं अनीति नहिं कछु प्रभुताई। सुनहु करहु जो तुम्हहि सोहाई॥2॥
sanahu sakala purajana mama bānī. kahauom na kachu mamatā ura ānī..
nahiṃ anīti nahiṃ kachu prabhutāī. sunahu karahu jō tumhahi sōhāī..

“Listen to My words, citizens all: I am not going to say anything out of attachment for you in My heart; I do not ask you to do any thing wrong nor do I make use of My authority. Therefore, listen to Me and act accordingly if you please.

सोइ सेवक प्रियतम मम सोई। मम अनुसासन मानै जोई॥
जौं अनीति कछु भाषौं भाई। तौ मोहि बरजहु भय बिसराई॥3॥
sōi sēvaka priyatama mama sōī. mama anusāsana mānai jōī..
jauṃ anīti kachu bhāṣauṃ bhāī. tauṃ mōhi barajahu bhaya bisarāī..

He is My servant and he is dearest to Me, who obeys My command. If I say anything which is wrong, brethren, be not afraid to correct Me.

बड़ें भाग मानुष तनु पावा। सुर दुर्लभ सब ग्रंथन्हि गावा॥
साधन धाम मोच्छ कर द्वारा। पाइ न जेहिं परलोक सँवारा॥4॥
baḍaēṃ bhāga mānuṣa tanu pāvā. sura durlabha saba graṃthinha gāvā..
sādhana dhāma mōccha kara dvārā. pāi na jēhiṃ paralōka saomvārā..

It is by good fortune that you have secured a human body, which-as declared by all the scriptures-is difficult even for the gods to attain. It is a tabernacle suitable for spiritual endeavours, gateway to liberation. He who fails to earn a good destiny hereafter even on attaining it.”

दोहा | Dohas:

सो परत्र दुख पावइ सिर धुनि धुनि पछिताई।
सो परत्र दुख पावइ सिर धुनि धुनि पछिताई॥43॥
sō paratra dukha pāvai sira dhuni dhuni pachitāi.
kālahi karmahi īsvarahi mithyā dōṣa lagāi..43..

“He reaps torture in the other world and beats his head in remorse, wrongly attributing the blame to Time, Fate and God.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

एहि तन कर फल बिषय न भाई। स्वर्गउ स्वल्प अंत दुखदाई॥
नर तनु पाइ बिषयँ मन देहीं। पलटि सुधा ते सठ बिष लेहीं॥1॥
ēhi tana kara phala biṣaya na bhāī. svargau svalpa aṃta dukhadāī..
nara tanu pāi biṣayaom mana dēhīṃ. palaṭi sudhā tē saṭha biṣa lēhīṃ..

“Sensuous enjoyment, brethren, is not the be-all and end-all of human existence; even heavenly enjoyment is short-lived and ends in sorrow. The fools who devote their mind to the pleasures of sense even after attaining human birth take poison in exchange for nectar.

ताहि कबहुँ भल कहइ न कोई। गुंजा ग्रहइ परस मनि खोई॥
आकर चारि लच्छ चौरासी। जोनि भ्रमत यह जिव अबिनासी॥2॥
tāhi kabahuom bhala kahai na kōī. guṃjā grahai parasa mani khōī..
ākara cāri laccha caurāsī. jōni bhramata yaha jiva abināsī..

None will ever speak well of him who picks up a peppercorn throwing away the philosopher’s stone. This immortal soul goes round through eightyfour lakh species of life, falling under four broad divisions.

फिरत सदा माया कर प्रेरा। काल कर्म सुभाव गुन घेरा॥
कबहुँक करि करुना नर देही। देत ईस बिनु हेतु सनेही॥3॥
phirata sadā māyā kara prērā. kāla karma subhāva guna ghērā..
kabahuomka kari karunā nara dēhī. dēta īsa binu hētu sanēhī..

Driven by Maya (My deluding potency) and encompassed by Time, destiny, Nature and phenomenal existence, it ever drifts along. Rarely does God, who loves the Jiva without any selfinterest, graciously bestow on it a human form,

नर तनु भव बारिधि कहुँ बेरो। सन्मुख मरुत अनुग्रह मेरो॥
करनधार सदगुर दृढ़ नावा। दुर्लभ साज सुलभ करि पावा॥4॥
nara tanu bhava bāridhi kahuom bērō. sanmukha maruta anugraha mērō..
karanadhāra sadagura dṛḍha nāvā. durlabha sāja sulabha kari pāvā..

which is a veritable raft whereby it can cross the ocean of mundane existence, with My grace for a favourable wind and a worthy preceptor for a helmsman to steer this strong bark-a combination which, though difficult to secure, has been made easily available to it.”

दोहा | Dohas:

जो न तरै भव सागर नर समाज अस पाइ।
सो कृत निंदक मंदमति आत्माहन गति जाइ॥44॥
jō na tarai bhava sāgara nara samāja asa pāi.
sō kṛta niṃdaka maṃdamati ātmāhana gati jāi..44..

“The man who, though equipped with all these resources, fails to cross the ocean of metempsychosis is ungrateful and dull-witted and meets the fate of a self-murderer.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

जौं परलोक इहाँ सुख चहहू। सुनि मम बचन हृदयँ दृढ़ गहहू॥
सुलभ सुखद मारग यह भाई। भगति मोरि पुरान श्रुति गाई॥1॥
jauṃ paralōka ihāom sukha cahahū. suni mama bacana hrṛdayaom dṛḍha gahahū..
sulabha sukhada māraga yaha bhāī. bhagati mōri purāna śruti gāī..

“If you seek happiness here as well as hereafter, listen to My words and imprint them deeply in your heart. It is an easy and pleasant road, brethren, that of devotion to My feet, extolled in the Puranas and Vedas.

ग्यान अगम प्रत्यूह अनेका। साधन कठिन न मन कहुँ टेका॥
करत कष्ट बहु पावइ कोऊ। भक्ति हीन मोहि प्रिय नहिं सोऊ॥2॥
gyāna agama pratyūha anēkā. sādhana kaṭhina na mana kahuom ṭēkā..
karata kaṣṭa bahu pāvai kōū. bhakti hīna mōhi priya nahiṃ sōū..

Gnosis is difficult to attain and beset with numerous obstacles. The path is rugged and there is no solid ground for the mind to rest on. Scarcely one attains it after a hard struggle; yet, lacking in Devotion, the man fails to win My love.

भक्ति सुतंत्र सकल सुख खानी। बिनु सतसंग न पावहिं प्रानी॥
पुन्य पुंज बिनु मिलहिं न संता। सतसंगति संसृति कर अंता॥3॥
bhakti sutaṃtra sakala sukha khānī. binu satasaṃga na pāvahiṃ prānī..
punya puṃja binu milahiṃ na saṃtā. satasaṃgati saṃsṛti kara aṃtā..

Devotion is independent and a mine of all blessings; men, however, cannot attain it except through the fellowship of saints. Saints for their part are inaccessible without a stock of merit; communion with the Lord’s devotees in any case brings to an end the cycle of births and deaths.

पुन्य एक जग महुँ नहिं दूजा। मन क्रम बचन बिप्र पद पूजा॥
सानुकूल तेहि पर मुनि देवा। जो तजि कपटु करइ द्विज सेवा॥4॥
punya ēka jaga mahuom nahiṃ dūjā. mana krama bacana bipra pada pūjā..
sānukūla tēhi para muni dēvā. jō taji kapaṭu karai dvija sēvā..

There is only one meritorious act in this world and no other- to adore the feet of the Brahmanas by thought, word and deed. The sages and gods are propitious to him who guilelessly serves the twice-born (the Brahmanas).”

दोहा | Dohas:

औरउ एक गुपुत मत सबहि कहउँ कर जोरि।
संकर भजन बिना नर भगति न पावइ मोरि॥45॥
aurau ēka guputa mata sabahi kahauom kara jōri.
saṃkara bhajana binā nara bhagati na pāvai mōri..45..

“With joined palms I lay before you all another secret doctrine: without adoring Sankara (Lord Siva) man cannot attain devotion to Me.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

कहहु भगति पथ कवन प्रयासा। जोग न मख जप तप उपवासा।
सरल सुभाव न मन कुटिलाई। जथा लाभ संतोष सदाई॥1॥
kahahu bhagati patha kavana prayāsā. jōga na makha japa tapa upavāsā..
sarala subhāva na mana kuṭilāī. jathā lābha saṃtōṣa sadāī..

“Tell Me what pains are involved in treading the path of Devotion : it requires neither Yoga (mind-control), nor sacrifices, nor Japa (muttering of prayers), nor penance, nor fasting. A guileless disposition, a mind free from perversity and absolute contentment with whatever may be got-this is all that is needed.

मोर दास कहाइ नर आसा। करइ तौ कहहु कहा बिस्वासा॥
बहुत कहउँ का कथा बढ़ाई। एहि आचरन बस्य मैं भाई॥2॥
mōra dāsa kahāi nara āsā. karai tau kahahu kahā bisvāsā..
bahuta kahauom kā kathā baḍhaāī. ēhi ācarana basya maiṃ bhāī..

If he who is called a devotee yet counts upon man, tell me, what faith does he have in Me? What use My dwelling on the subject further : I am won by the conduct of a man as depicted below, brethren.

बैर न बिग्रह आस न त्रासा। सुखमय ताहि सदा सब आसा॥
अनारंभ अनिकेत अमानी। अनघ अरोष दच्छ बिग्यानी॥3॥
baira na bigraha āsa na trāsā. sukhamaya tāhi sadā saba āsā..
anāraṃbha anikēta amānī. anagha arōṣa daccha bigyānī..

He who has no enmity or quarrel with anyone and is devoid of hope and fear-to such a man all the quarters are ever full of joy. Undertaking nothing (with an interested motive), without home, without pride and without sin, free from wrath, clever and wise,

प्रीति सदा सज्जन संसर्गा। तृन सम बिषय स्वर्ग अपबर्गा॥
भगति पच्छ हठ नहिं सठताई। दुष्ट तर्क सब दूरि बहाई॥4॥
prīti sadā sajjana saṃsargā. tṛna sama biṣaya svarga apabargā..
bhagati paccha haṭha nahiṃ saṭhatāī. duṣṭa tarka saba dūri bahāī..

ever loving the company of saints and accounting the enjoyments even of heaven as well as final beatitude as no more than a blade of grass, tenaciously adhering to the cult of Devotion but avoiding bigotry, and giving up all sophistical reasoning:-

दोहा | Dohas :

मम गुन ग्राम नाम रत गत ममता मद मोह।
ता कर सुख सोइ जानइ परानंद संदोह॥46॥
mama guna grāma nāma rata gata mamatā mada mōha.
tā kara sukha sōi jānai parānaṃda saṃdōha..46..

“Fond of singing and hearing My praises and devoted to My Name, and free from attachment to the world, arrogance and infatuation-the felicity that such a man enjoys is known to him alone who has become one with God, the embodiment of supreme bliss.”

चौपाई–

 सुनत सुधा सम बचन राम के । गहे सबनि पद कृपाधाम के॥
जननि जनक गुर बंधु हमारे। कृपा निधान प्रान ते प्यारे॥1॥

sunata sudhāsama bacana rāma kē. gahē sabani pada kṛpādhāma kē..
janani janaka gura baṃdhu hamārē. kṛpā nidhāna prāna tē pyārē..

On hearing Sri Rama’s nectar-like words all who (had assembled there) clasped the feet of the All-merciful. “Fountain of mercy ! You are our father and mother, preceptor and kinsman; You are dearer to us than our own life.

 तनु धनु धाम राम हितकारी। सब बिधि तुम्ह प्रनतारति हारी॥
असि सिख तुम्ह बिनु देइ न कोऊ। मातु पिता स्वारथ रत ओऊ॥2॥

tanu dhanu dhāma rāma hitakārī. saba bidhi tumha pranatārati hārī..
asi sikha tumha binu dēi na kōū. mātu pitā svāratha rata ōū..

Rama, You are our body, wealth and habitat and You are beneficent to us in everyway, relieving as You do the agony of the suppliant. None other than You could give such instruction; for even father and mother are devoted to their own interest.

 हेतु रहित जग जुग उपकारी। तुम्ह तुम्हार सेवक असुरारी॥
स्वारथ मीत सकल जग माहीं। सपनेहुँ प्रभु परमारथ नाहीं॥3॥

hētu rahita jaga juga upakārī. tumha tumhāra sēvaka asurārī..
svāratha mīta sakala jaga māhīṃ. sapanēhuom prabhu paramāratha nāhīṃ..

You two are the only disinterested benefactors in this world-Yourself and Your servant, O Destroyer of the demons. Everyone else in this world has his own interest to serve; no one thinks of other’s highest (spiritual) interests even in a dream, O Lord.”

 सब के बचन प्रेम रस साने। सुनि रघुनाथ हृदयँ हरषाने॥
निज निज गृह गए आयसु पाई। बरनत प्रभु बतकही सुहाई॥4॥

sabakē bacana prēma rasa sānē. suni raghunātha hṛdayaom haraṣānē..
nija nija gṛha gaē āyasu pāī. baranata prabhu batakahī suhāī..

The Lord of the Raghus was delighted at heart to hear the words of all, steeped as they were in the nectar of love. On receiving the Lord’s permission they returned each to his own residence, repeating on the way the Lord’s charming discourse.

दोहा –

 उमा अवधबासी नर नारि कृतारथ रूप।
ब्रह्म सच्चिदानंद घन रघुनायक जहँ भूप॥47॥

umā avadhabāsī nara nāri kṛtāratha rūpa.
brahma saccidānaṃda ghana raghunāyaka jahaom bhūpa..47..

Uma, (continues Lord Siva,) the people of Ayodhya, both men and women, were the very picture of blessedness : for the Lord of the Raghus, who was none other than Brahma, the embodiment of truth, intelligence and bliss, ruled there as king.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

एक बार बसिष्ट मुनि आए। जहाँ राम सुखधाम सुहाए॥
अति आदर रघुनायक कीन्हा। पद पखारि पादोदक लीन्हा॥1॥

ēka bāra basiṣṭa muni āē. jahāom rāma sukhadhāma suhāē..
ati ādara raghunāyaka kīnhā. pada pakhāri pādōdaka līnhā..

One day the sage Vasistha called at the palace where the charming and all-blissful Sri Rama was. The Lord of the Raghus received him with great reverence, laved his feet and sipped the water into which they had been washed.

 राम सुनहु मुनि कह कर जोरी। कृपासिंधु बिनती कछु मोरी॥
देखि देखि आचरन तुम्हारा। होत मोह मम हृदयँ अपारा॥2॥

rāma sunahu muni kaha kara jōrī. kṛpāsiṃdhu binatī kachu mōrī..
dēkhi dēkhi ācarana tumhārā. hōta mōha mama hṛdayaom apārā..

“Listen, Rama :” said the sage with joined palms, “I make my humble submission, O Ocean of mercy. Even as I watch Your doings infinite bewilderment possesses my soul.

 महिमा अमिति बेद नहिं जाना। मैं केहि भाँति कहउँ भगवाना॥
उपरोहित्य कर्म अति मंदा। बेद पुरान सुमृति कर निंदा॥3॥

mahimā amita bēda nahiṃ jānā. maiṃ kēhi bhāomti kahauom bhagavānā..
uparōhitya karma ati maṃdā. bēda purāna sumṛti kara niṃdā..

Your immeasurable greatness is beyond the knowledge of the Vedas; how can I describe it, O Almighty Lord? The vocation of a familypriest is very low : the Vedas, Puranas and the Smrti texts equally denounce it.

 जब न लेउँ मैं तब बिधि मोही। कहा लाभ आगें सुत तोही॥
परमातमा ब्रह्म नर रूपा। होइहि रघुकुल भूषन भूपा॥4॥

jaba na lēuom maiṃ taba bidhi mōhī. kahā lābha āgēṃ suta tōhī..
paramātamā brahma nara rūpā. hōihi raghukula bhūṣana bhūpā..

When I would not accept it, Brahma (my father) said to me, “It will redound to your benefit hereafter, my son : Brahma Itself, the Supreme Spirit, will appear in human semblance as a king, the ornament of Raghu’s race”.

दोहा | Dohas:

 तब मैं हृदयँ बिचारा जोग जग्य ब्रत दान।
जा कुहँ करिअ सो पैहउँ धर्म न एहि सम आन॥48॥

taba maiṃ hṛdayaom bicārā jōga jagya brata dāna.
jā kahuom karia sō paihauom dharma na ēhi sama āna..48..

“Then I thought to myself, (through this very office) I shall attain to Him who is the object of Yogic practices, performance of sacrifices, religious vows and charity. Thus there can be no other vocation like this.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 जप तप नियम जोग निज धर्मा। श्रुति संभव नाना सुभ कर्मा॥
ग्यान दया दम तीरथ मज्जन। जहँ लगि धर्म कहत श्रुति सज्जन॥1॥

japa tapa niyama jōga nija dharmā. śruti saṃbhava nānā subha karmā..
gyāna dayā dama tīratha majjana. jahaom lagi dharma kahata śruti sajjana..

Japa (muttering of prayers), austere penance, religious observances, Yogic practices, the performance of one’s allotted duties, the various pious acts recommended by the Vedas, the cultivation of spiritual enlightenment, compassion, self-control, bathing in sacred waters and whatever other sacred practices have been advocated by the Vedas and holy men

 आगम निगम पुरान अनेका। पढ़े सुने कर फल प्रभु एका॥
तव पद पंकज प्रीति निरंतर। सब साधन कर यह फल सुंदर॥2॥

āgama nigama purāna anēkā. paḍhaē sunē kara phala prabhu ēkā..
taba pada paṃkaja prīti niraṃtara. saba sādhana kara yaha phala suṃdara..

and the recitation and hearing of various Tantra texts, Vedas and Puranas have only one reward, my lord; nay, all spiritual endeavours lead to the same glorious end, viz., unceasing devotion to Your lotus feet.

 छूटइ मल कि मलहि के धोएँ। घृत कि पाव कोइ बारि बिलोएँ॥
प्रेम भगति जल बिनु रघुराई। अभिअंतर मल कबहुँ न जाई॥3॥

chūṭai mala ki malahi kē dhōēom. ghṛta ki pāva kōi bāri bilōēom..
prēma bhagati jala binu raghurāī. abhiaṃtara mala kabahuom na jāī..

Can dirt be removed by cleansing with dirt? Can anyone obtain butter by churning water? Even so, except by cleansing with the water of loving devotion, O Lord of the Raghus, the impurity accumulated within can never be washed away.

 सोइ सर्बग्य तग्य सोइ पंडित। सोइ गुन गृह बिग्यान अखंडित॥
दच्छ सकल लच्छन जुत सोई। जाकें पद सरोज रति होई॥4॥

sōi sarbagya tagya sōi paṃḍita. sōi guna gṛha bigyāna akhaṃḍita..
daccha sakala lacchana juta sōī. jākēṃ pada sarōja rati hōī..

He alone is all-wise, he the knower of Truth and he alone learned; he alone is an abode of virtues and possessed of uninterrupted and immediate perception; nay, he is clever and endowed with all auspicious attributes, who is devoted to Your lotus feet.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 नाथ एक बर मागउँ राम कृपा करि देहु।
जन्म जन्म प्रभु पद कमल कबहुँ घटै जनि नेहु॥49॥

nātha ēka bara māgauom rāma kṛpā kari dēhu.
janma janma prabhu pada kamala kabahuom ghaṭai jani nēhu..49..

“My lord, I would ask one boon; grant it in Your mercy, Rama. May my love for Your lotus feet, O Lord, never flag in the course of my future births.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 अस कहि मुनि बसिष्ट गृह आए। कृपासिंधु के मन अति भाए॥
हनूमान भरतादिक भ्राता। संग लिए सेवक सुखदाता॥1॥

asa kahi muni basiṣṭa gṛha āē. kṛpāsiṃdhu kē mana ati bhāē..
hanūmāna bharatādika bhrātā. saṃga liē sēvaka sukhadātā..

So saying, the sage Vasistha returned home. The All-merciful was highly pleased with him in His heart of hearts. Sri Rama, the delight of His servants, took with Him Hanuman as well as Bharata and His other two brothers (Laksmana and Satrughna) and-

 पुनि कृपाल पुर बाहेर गए। गज रथ तुरग मगावत भए॥
देखि कृपा करि सकल सराहे। दिए उचित जिन्ह जिन्ह तेइ चाहे॥2॥

puni kṛpāla pura bāhēra gaē. gaja ratha turaga magāvata bhaē..
dēkhi kṛpā kari sakala sarāhē. diē ucita jinha jinha tēi cāhē..

the benign Lord then went outside the city and ordered elephants, chariots and horses to be immediately brought before Him. Regarding them with kindness He praised them all and distributed them among the people giving each what one deserved and what one wished to have.

 हरन सकल श्रम प्रभु श्रम पाई। गए जहाँ सीतल अवँराई॥
भरत दीन्ह निज बसन डसाई। बैठे प्रभु सेवहिं सब भाई॥3॥

harana sakala śrama prabhu śrama pāī. gaē jahāom sītala avaomrāī..
bharata dīnha nija basana ḍasāī. baiṭhē prabhu sēvahiṃ saba bhāī..

The Lord, who is the reliever of all fatigue, Himself felt tired and retired to a cool mango grove, where Bharata spread his own scarf and the Lord took His seat thereon with all His brothers in attendance.

 मारुतसुत तब मारुत करई। पुलक बपुष लोचन जल भरई॥
हनूमान सम नहिं बड़भागी। नहिं कोउ राम चरन अनुरागी॥4॥
गिरिजा जासु प्रीति सेवकाई। बार बार प्रभु निज मुख गाई॥5॥

mārutasuta taba mārūta karaī. pulaka bapuṣa lōcana jala bharaī..
hanūmāna sama nahiṃ baḍabhāgī. nahiṃ kōu rāma carana anurāgī..
girijā jāsu prīti sēvakāī. bāra bāra prabhu nija mukha gāī..

The son of the wind-god now began to fan Him; he felt a thrill of joy all over his body and his eyes filled with tears. (Says Siva,) There is no one so blessed nor anyone so devoted to Sri Rama’s lotus feet as Hanuman, whose love and service, O daughter of the mountain-king have been repeatedly extolled by the Lord with His own mouth.

दोहा | Dohas:

 तेहिं अवसर मुनि नारद आए करतल बीन।
गावन लगे राम कल कीरति सदा नबीन॥50॥

tēhiṃ avasara muni nārada āē karatala bīna.
gāvana lagē rāma kala kīrati sadā nabīna..50..

At that time came Narada, lute in hand, and began to sing Sri Rama’s sweet renown, which always has a fresh charm about it.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 मामवलोकय पंकज लोचन। कृपा बिलोकनि सोच बिमोचन॥
नील तामरस स्याम काम अरि। हृदय कंज मकरंद मधुप हरि॥1॥

māmavalōkaya paṃkaja lōcana. kṛpā bilōkani sōca bimōcana..
nīla tāmarasa syāma kāma ari. hṛdaya kaṃja makaraṃda madhupa hari..

“Regard me, O lotus-eyed Lord, O Reliever of anxiety, with a benignant look. Dark of hue as the blue lotus, O Hari, You are as it were a bee enjoying the honey of the lotus heart of Lord Siva (the Destroyer of Cupid), shattering the might of the demon hosts,

 जातुधान बरूथ बल भंजन। मुनि सज्जन रंजन अघ गंजन॥
भूसुर ससि नव बृंद बलाहक। असरन सरन दीन जन गाहक॥2॥

jātudhāna barūtha bala bhaṃjana. muni sajjana raṃjana agha gaṃjana..
bhūsura sasi nava bṛṃda balāhaka. asarana sarana dīna jana gāhaka..

You bring delight to saints and sages and wipe out sins. Beneficent to the Brahmanas as a mass of fresh clouds to a thirsty crop. You are the refuge of the helpless and the befriender of the afflicted.

 भुज बल बिपुल भार महि खंडित। खर दूषन बिराध बध पंडित॥
रावनारि सुखरूप भूपबर। जय दसरथ कुल कुमुद सुधाकर॥3॥

bhuja bala bipula bhāra mahi khaṃḍita. khara dūṣana birādha badha paṃḍita..
rāvanāri sukharūpa bhūpabara. jaya dasaratha kula kumuda sudhākara..

By the might of Your arm You have crushed Earth’s enormous burden and ingeniously killed the demons Khara, Dusana and Viradha. Hail, all-blissful Slayer of Ravana, noblest of kings, a moon to the lily-like line of King Dasaratha.

 सुजस पुरान बिदित निगमागम। गावत सुर मुनि संत समागम॥
कारुनीक ब्यलीक मद खंडन। सब बिधि कुसल कोसला मंडन॥4॥

sujasa purāna bidita nigamāgama. gāvata sura muni saṃta samāgama..
kārunīka byalīka mada khaṃḍana. saba bidhi kusala kōsalā maṃḍana..

Your fair renown is familiar to the Puranas, Vedas and Tantras and is sung in the congregations of gods, sages and saints. Crushing false pride in Your mercy You are clever in everyway, O Jewel of the city of Ayodhya.

 कलि मल मथन नाम ममताहन। तुलसिदास प्रभु पाहि प्रनत जन॥5॥

kali mala mathana nāma mamatāhana. tulasīdāsa prabhu pāhi pranata jana..

Your very name wipes out the impurities of the Kali age and destroys worldly attachment. Pray, protect the suppliant, O lord of Tulasidasa.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 प्रेम सहित मुनि नारद बरनि राम गुन ग्राम।
सोभासिंधु हृदयँ धरि गए जहाँ बिधि धाम॥51॥

prēma sahita muni nārada barani rāma guna grāma.
sōbhāsiṃdhu hṛdayaom dhari gaē jahāom bidhi dhāma..51..

Having lovingly recounted Sri Rama’s catalogue of virtues, the sage Narada returned to Brahma’s abode, enshrining the Ocean of beauty in his heart.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 गिरिजा सुनहु बिसद यह कथा। मैं सब कही मोरि मति जथा॥
राम चरित सत कोटि अपारा। श्रुति सारदा न बरनै पारा॥1॥

girijā sunahu bisada yaha kathā. maiṃ saba kahī mōri mati jathā..
rāma carita sata kōṭi apārā. śruti sāradā na baranai pārā..

Listen, Girija; (continues Lord Sankara,) “I have told you in full this holy narrative according to My own lights. The stories of Sri Rama are without number and beyond all dimensions. Not even the Vedas and Sarada (the goddess of speech) could recount them all.

 राम अनंत अनंत गुनानी। जन्म कर्म अनंत नामानी॥
जल सीकर महि रज गनि जाहीं। रघुपति चरित न बरनि सिराहीं॥2॥

rāma anaṃta anaṃta gunānī. janma karma anaṃta nāmānī..
jala sīkara mahi raja gani jāhīṃ. raghupati carita na barani sirāhīṃ..

Infinite is Rama and infinite His excellences; His births, exploits and names too are endless. It may be possible to count the drops of water (in a shower of rain) or the grains of sand; but the exploits of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) cannot be recounted in full.

 बिमल कथा हरि पद दायनी। भगति होइ सुनि अनपायनी॥
उमा कहिउँ सब कथा सुहाई। जो भुसुंडि खगपतिहि सुनाई॥3॥

bimala kathā hari pada dāyanī. bhagati hōi suni anapāyanī..
umā kahiuom saba kathā suhāī. jō bhusuṃḍi khagapatihi sunāī..

This sacred story enables one to reach the abode of Sri Hari; whoever hears it is blessed with unceasing devotion. Uma, (goes on Lord Siva,) I have repeated in full the delightful story which Bhusundi recited to the king of the birds.

 कछुक राम गुन कहेउँ बखानी। अब का कहौं सो कहहु भवानी॥
सुनि सुभ कथा उमा हरषानी। बोली अति बिनीत मृदु बानी॥4॥

kachuka rāma guna kahēuom bakhānī. aba kā kahauṃ sō kahahu bhavānī..
suni subha kathā umā haraṣānī. bōlī ati binīta mṛdu bānī..

I have thus recounted a few of Sri Rama’s virtues; let me know, Bhavani (Parvati), what am I to tell you next.” Uma was glad to have heard the blessed story and replied in exceedingly polite and soft accents :

 धन्य धन्य मैं धन्य पुरारी। सुनेउँ राम गुन भव भय हारी॥5॥

dhanya dhanya maiṃ dhanya purārī. sunēuom rāma guna bhava bhaya hārī..

“I am thrice blessed, O Slayer of the demon Tripura, to have heard Sri Rama’s praises, that take away the fear of birth and death.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 तुम्हरी कृपाँ कृपायतन अब कृतकृत्य न मोह।
जानेउँ राम प्रताप प्रभु चिदानंद संदोह॥52 क॥

tumharī kṛpāom kṛpāyatana aba kṛtakṛtya na mōha.
jānēuom rāma pratāpa prabhu cidānaṃda saṃdōha..52ka..

By Your grace, O Abode of mercy, I have now attained the object of my life and have no delusion left in me. I have realized the greatness of Lord Sri Rama, who is knowledge and bliss personified.

नाथ तवानन ससि स्रवत कथा सुधा रघुबीर।
श्रवन पुटन्हि मन पान करि नहिं अघात मतिधीर॥52 ख॥

nātha tavānana sasi sravata kathā sudhā raghubīra.
śravana puṭanhi mana pāna kari nahiṃ aghāta matidhīra..52kha..

O lord of resolute mind, my soul knows no satiety as I quaff with the cups of my ears the nectar-like story of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line) flowing from Your moon-like mouth.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 राम चरित जे सुनत अघाहीं। रस बिसेष जाना तिन्ह नाहीं॥
जीवनमुक्त महामुनि जेऊ। हरि गुन सुनहिं निरंतर तेऊ॥1॥

rāma carita jē sunata aghāhīṃ. rasa bisēṣa jānā tinha nāhīṃ..
jīvanamukta mahāmuni jēū. hari guna sunahīṃ niraṃtara tēū..

They who feel satiated with hearing the exploits of Sri Rama have little known their peculiar sapor. Even those great sages who have attained final beatitude in their very lifetime constantly hear the praises of Sri Hari.

 भव सागर चह पार जो पावा। राम कथा ता कहँ दृढ़ नावा॥
बिषइन्ह कहँ पुनि हरि गुन ग्रामा। श्रवन सुखद अरु मन अभिरामा॥2॥

bhava sāgara caha pāra jō pāvā. rāma kathā tā kahaom dṛḍha nāvā..
biṣainha kahaom puni hari guna grāmā. śravana sukhada aru mana abhirāmā..

To him who seeks to cross the ocean of worldly existence, the narrative of Sri Rama serves as a secure bark. Nay, the praises of Sri Hari are delightful to the ear and pleasing to the mind even of the sensualist.

 श्रवनवंत अस को जग माहीं। जाहि न रघुपति चरित सोहाहीं॥
ते जड़ जीव निजात्मक घाती। जिन्हहि न रघुपति कथा सोहाती॥3॥

śravanavaṃta asa kō jaga māhīṃ. jāhi na raghupati carita sōhāhīṃ..
tē jaḍa jīva nijātmaka ghātī. jinhahi na raghupati kathā sōhātī..

Is there in this world anyone with ears to hear, whom the exploits of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) do not delight. Stupid are those creatures and indeed killers of their soul, whom the narrative of Sri Rama does not attract.”

 हरिचरित्र मानस तुम्ह गावा। सुनि मैं नाथ अमिति सुख पावा॥
तुम्ह जो कही यह कथा सुहाई। कागभुशण्डि गरुड़ प्रति गाई॥4॥

haricaritra mānasa tumha gāvā. suni maiṃ nātha amiti sukha pāvā..
tumha jō kahī yaha kathā suhāī. kāgabhasuṃḍi garuḍa prati gāī..

While You sang what You have chosen to call, “the Manasa Lake of Sri Hari’s exploits” I listened, my lord, with boundless joy. You have just told me that this charming story was recited by Kakabhusundi to Garuda.

दोहा | Dohas:

 बिरति ग्यान बिग्यान दृढ़ राम चरन अति नेह।
बायस तन रघुपति भगति मोहि परम संदेह॥53॥

birati gyāna bigyāna dṛḍha rāma carana ati nēha.
bāyasa tana raghupati bhagati mōhi parama saṃdēha..53..

“Bhusundi is staunch in his dispassion and steadfast in his wisdom and realization, and cherishes deep devotion to Sri Rama’s feet. That one possessing the form of a crow should be a devotee of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) fills me with great doubt.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 नर सहस्र महँ सुनहु पुरारी। कोउ एक होई धर्म ब्रतधारी॥
धर्मसील कोटिक महँ कोई। बिषय बिमुख बिराग रत होई॥1॥

nara sahastra mahaom sunahu purārī. kōu ēka hōi dharma bratadhārī..
dharmasīla kōṭika mahaom kōī. biṣaya bimukha birāga rata hōī..

“Listen, O Slayer of demon Tripura : among a thousand men there is scarce one who is steadfast in his vow of piety. Among ten million souls devoted to religion there may be one who is averse to the pleasures of sense and takes delight in dispassion.

कोटि बिरक्त मध्य श्रुति कहई। सम्यक ग्यान सकृत कोउ लहई॥
ग्यानवंत कोटिक महँ कोऊ। जीवनमुक्त सकृत जग सोऊ॥2॥

kōṭi birakta madhya śruti kahaī. samyaka gyāna sakṛta kōu lahaī..
gyānavaṃta kōṭika mahaom kōū. jīvanamukta sakṛta jaga sōū..

Among ten million souls free from worldly attachment, so declare the Vedas, scarce one succeeds in acquiring perfect wisdom. Among ten million enlightened souls in this world there is hardly one who attains final beatitude even when living.

तिन्ह सहस्र महुँ सबसुख खानी। दुर्लभ ब्रह्म लीन बिग्यानी॥
धर्मसील बिरक्त अरु ग्यानी। जीवनमुक्त ब्रह्मपर प्रानी॥3॥

tinha sahastra mahuom saba sukha khānī. durlabha brahmalīna bigyānī..
dharmasīla birakta aru gyānī. jīvanamukta brahmapara prānī..

Among a thousand such souls he who has not only realized his oneness with Brahma but merged his identity in the Absolute and has accordingly become a fountain of all joy is rarely to be found. Of the religious, the unattached, the enlightened and the emancipated, as well as of those merged in the Absolute,

सत ते सो दुर्लभ सुरराया। राम भगति रत गत मद माया॥
सो हरिभगति काग किमि पाई। बिस्वनाथ मोहि कहहु बुझाई॥4॥

saba tē sō durlabha surarāyā. rāma bhagati rata gata mada māyā..
sō haribhagati kāga kimi pāī. bisvanātha mōhi kahahu bujhāī..

O lord of divinities, he who takes delight in devotion to Sri Rama and is free from vanity and wiles is most difficult to find.” Kindly explain to me at length, O Lord of the universe, how such a devotion to Sri Hari was attained by a crow.

दोहा | Dohas:

 राम परायन ग्यान रत गुनागार मति धीर।
नाथ कहहु केहि कारन पायउ काक सरीर॥54॥

rāma parāyana gyāna rata gunāgāra mati dhīra.
nātha kahahu kēhi kārana pāyau kāka sarīra..54..

“Also tell me, my lord, how did Bhusundi obtain the form of a crow even though devoted to Sri Rama, steeped in wisdom, a home of virtues and resolute of mind?

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 यह प्रभु चरित पवित्र सुहावा। कहहु कृपाल काग कहँ पावा॥
तुम्ह केहि भाँति सुना मदनारी। कहहु मोहि अति कौतुक भारी॥1॥

yaha prabhu carita pavitra suhāvā. kahahu kṛpāla kāga kahaom pāvā..
tumha kēhi bhāomti sunā madanārī. kahahu mōhi ati kautuka bhārī..

“Further tell me, O merciful lord, wherefrom did the crow get this sacred and delightful story? And also let me know how could You hear it, O Destroyer of Cupid: for all this fills me with much inquisitiveness.

 गरुड़ महाग्यानी गुन रासी। हरि सेवक अति निकट निवासी।
तेहिं केहि हेतु काग सन जाई। सुनी कथा मुनि निकर बिहाई॥2॥

garuḍa mahāgyānī guna rāsī. hari sēvaka ati nikaṭa nivāsī..
tēhiṃ kēhi hētu kāga sana jāī. sunī kathā muni nikara bihāī..

Garuda, again, is highly enlightened and an embodiment of virtues; moreover, he is a servant of Sri Hari (being His own mount) and lives very close to Him. Leaving a host of sages, wherefore did he approach a crow and hear Sri Rama’s story from him?

 कहहु कवन बिधि भा संबादा। दोउ हरिभगत काग उरगादा॥
गौरि गिरा सुनि सरल सुहाई। बोले सिव सादर सुख पाई॥3॥

kahahu kavana bidhi bhā saṃbādā. dōu haribhagata kāga uragādā..
gauri girā suni sarala suhāī. bōlē siva sādara sukha pāī..

Further let me know how the dialogue proceeded between the crow and Garuda (the devourer of serpents), both of whom are devotees of Sri Hari.” Lord Siva rejoiced to hear the artless and welcome speech of His Consort (Gauri) and politely replied,-

 धन्य सती पावन मति तोरी। रघुपति चरन प्रीति नहिं थोरी॥
सुनहु परम पुनीत इतिहासा। जो सुनि सकल लोक भ्रम नासा॥4॥

dhanya satī pāvana mati tōrī. raghupati carana prīti nahiṃ thōrī..
sunahu parama punīta itihāsā. jō suni sakala lōka bhrama nāsā..

“You are blessed indeed, O virtuous lady; your idea is holy, and you possess not a little love for the feet of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus). Therefore, listen to a most sacred story, which, when heard, puts an end to the delusion of the whole universe,

उपजइ राम चरन बिस्वासा। भव निधि तर नर बिनहिं प्रयासा॥5॥

upajai rāma carana bisvāsā. bhava nidhi tara nara binahiṃ prayāsā..

engenders faith in Sri Rama’s feet and enables a man to cross the ocean of worldly existence without any difficulty.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 ऐसिअ प्रस्न बिहंगपति कीन्हि काग सन जाइ।
सो सब सादर कहिहउँ सुनहु उमा मन लाई॥55॥

aisia prasna bihaṃgapati kīnha kāga sana jāi.
sō saba sādara kahihauom sunahu umā mana lāi..55..

The king of the birds too went and put quite similar questions to the crow. I will reverently tell you all that: listen, Uma with an attentive mind.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 मैं जिमि कथा सुनी भव मोचनि। सो प्रसंग सुनु सुमुखि सुलोचनि॥
प्रथम दच्छ गृह तव अवतारा। सती नाम तब रहा तुम्हारा॥1॥

maiṃ jimi kathā sunī bhava mōcani. sō prasaṃga sunu sumukhi sulōcani..
prathama daccha gṛha tava avatārā. satī nāma taba rahā tumhārā..

Listen, O charming and bright-eyed lady, to the circumstances in which I heard this story, that delivers one from the cycle of births and deaths. You first took birth in the house of Daksa and Sati was the name you then bore.

 दच्छ जग्य तव भा अपमाना। तुम्ह अति क्रोध तजे तब प्राना॥
मम अनुचरन्ह कीन्ह मख भंगा। जानहु तुम्ह सो सकल प्रसंगा॥2॥

daccha jagya taba bhā apamānā. tumha ati krōdha tajē taba prānā..
mama anucaranha kīnha makha bhaṃgā. jānahu tumha sō sakala prasaṃgā..

At Daksa’s sacrifice you were subjected to contumely and in the heat of your indignation you gave up your life then. My servants wrecked the sacrifice : you know the whole episode already.

 तब अति सोच भयउ मन मोरें। दुखी भयउँ बियोग प्रिय तोरें॥
सुंदर बन गिरि सरित तड़ागा। कौतुक देखत फिरउँ बेरागा॥3॥

taba ati sōca bhayau mana mōrēṃ. dukhī bhayauom biyōga priya tōrēṃ..
suṃdara bana giri sarita taḍaāgā. kautuka dēkhata phirauom bērāgā..

I felt much troubled at heart thereafter; for your loss had left me disconsolate, my dear. I wandered among beautiful woodlands, mountains, rivers and tanks seeing sights, but found no charm anywhere.

 गिरि सुमेर उत्तर दिसि दूरी। नील सैल एक सुंदर भूरी॥
तासु कनकमय सिखर सुहाए। चारि चारु मोरे मन भाए॥4॥

giri sumēra uttara disi dūrī. nīla saila ēka sundara bhūrī..
tāsu kanakamaya sikhara suhāē. cāri cāru mōrē mana bhāē..

In the far north, even beyond Mount Sumeru, there stands a most lovely mountain, known by the name of Nilagiri (the Blue Mountain). It has four charming and delightful gold peaks, which gladdened my soul :

 तिन्ह पर एक एक बिटप बिसाला। बट पीपर पाकरी रसाला॥
सैलोपरि सर सुंदर सोहा। मनि सोपान देखि मन मोहा॥5॥

tinha para ēka ēka biṭapa bisālā. baṭa pīpara pākarī rasālā..
sailōpari sara suṃdara sōhā. mani sōpāna dēkhi mana mōhā..

on each stood one gigantic tree, a banyan, a Peepul (the sacred bo-tree), a Plaksa (the Indian fig tree) and a mango. On the top of the mountain sparkled a beautiful tarn with jewelled steps, which were so enchanting to behold.

दोहा | Dohas:

 सीतल अमल मधुर जल जलज बिपुल बहुरंग।
कूजत कल रव हंस गन गुंजत मंजुल भृंग॥56॥

sītala amala madhura jala jalaja bipula bahuraṃga.
kūjata kala rava haṃsa gana guṃjata majuṃla bhṛṃga..56..

Its water was cool, limpid and sweet; its lotuses abundant and many coloured. Flocks of swans murmured their sweet notes and the bees made a delightful buzzing.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 तेहिं गिरि रुचिर बसइ खग सोई। तासु नास कल्पांत न होई॥
माया कृत गुन दोष अनेका। मोह मनोज आदि अबिबेका॥1॥

tēhiṃ giri rucira basai khaga sōī. tāsu nāsa kalpāṃta na hōī..
māyā kṛta guna dōṣa anēkā. mōha manōja ādi abibēkā..

On that splendid mountain dwells the same bird (Kakabhusundi), that outlives even the end of the world. The various good and evil phenomena created by Maya (the Cosmic Illusion), and ignorance in its varied forms such as infatuation,lust etc.,

 रहे ब्यापि समस्त जग माहीं। तेहि गिरि निकट कबहुँ नहिं जाहीं॥
तहँ बसि हरिहि भजइ जिमि कागा। सो सुनु उमा सहित अनुरागा॥2॥

rahē byāpi samasta jaga māhīṃ. tēhi giri nikaṭa kabahuom nahiṃ jāhīṃ..
tahaom basi harihi bhajai jimi kāgā. sō sunu umā sahita anurāgā..

which hold sway all over the universe, never touch the precincts of that mountain. Now hear, Uma, with tender affection how the crow spends his days there in adoring Sri Hari.

पीपर तरु तर ध्यान सो धरई। जाप जग्य पाकरि तर करई॥
अँब छाँह कर मानस पूजा। तजि हरि भजनु काजु नहिं दूजा॥3॥

pīpara taru tara dhyāna sō dharaī. jāpa jagya pākari tara karaī..
āomba chāhaom kara mānasa pūjā. taji hari bhajanu kāju nahiṃ dūjā..

Under the Peepul tree he practises meditation; he performs secrifice in the form of Japa (muttering of prayers) under the Plaksa; in the shade of the mango tree he offers mental worship to the Lord, having no occupation other than adoring Sri Hari;

 बर तर कह हरि कथा प्रसंगा। आवहिं सुनहिं अनेक बिहंगा॥
राम चरित बिचित्र बिधि नाना। प्रेम सहित कर सादर गाना॥4॥

bara tara kaha hari kathā prasaṃgā. āvahiṃ sunahiṃ anēka bihaṃgā..
rāma carita bicītra bidhi nānā. prēma sahita kara sādara gānā..

and under the banyan he narrates episodes from the story of Sri Hari, to hear which many a bird flocks there. With loving reverence he sings the various marvellous exploits of Sri Rama;

सुनहिं सकल मति बिमल मराला। बसहिं निरंतर जे तेहिं ताला॥
जब मैं जाइ सो कौतुक देखा। उर उपजा आनंद बिसेषा॥5॥

sunahiṃ sakala mati bimala marālā. basahiṃ niraṃtara jē tēhiṃ tālā..
jaba maiṃ jāi sō kautuka dēkhā. ura upajā ānaṃda bisēṣā..

the swans of pure mind, that ever dwell in that lake, all listen to the story. When I arrived there and saw the spectacle, an intense joy welled up in my heart.

दोहा | Dohas:

 तब कछु काल मराल तनु धरि तहँ कीन्ह निवास।
सादर सुनि रघुपति गुन पुनि आयउँ कैलास॥57॥

taba kachu kāla marāla tanu dhari tahaom kīnha nivāsa.
sādara suni raghupati guna puni āyauom kailāsa..57..

Then, assuming the form of a swan, I sojourned there for some length of time. And, after reverently listening to the praises of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), I returned to Kailasa.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 गिरिजा कहेउँ सो सब इतिहासा। मैं जेहि समय गयउँ खग पासा॥
अब सो कथा सुनहु जेहि हेतु। गयउ काग पहिं खग कुल केतू॥1॥

girijā kahēuom sō saba itihāsā. maiṃ jēhi samaya gayauom khaga pāsā..
aba sō kathā sunahu jēhī hētū. gayau kāga pahiṃ khaga kula kētū..

Girija, I have thus narrated the whole episode as to when I visited the bird (Kakabhusundi). Now hear the circumstances under which Garuda (the glory of the feathered kingdom) called on the crow.

 जब रघुनाथ कीन्हि रन क्रीड़ा। समुझत चरित होति मोहि ब्रीड़ा॥
इंद्रजीत कर आपु बँधायो। तब नारद मुनि गरुड़ पठायो॥2॥

jaba raghunātha kīnhi rana krīḍaā. samujhata carita hōti mōhi brīḍaā..
iṃdrajīta kara āpu baomdhāyō. taba nārada muni garuḍa paṭhāyō..

When the Lord of the Raghus enacted the sport of a combat (with Meghanada, Ravana’s son)-the very thought of which fills me with shame-and allowed Himself to be bound by Meghanada (the conqueror of Indra), the sage Narada despatched Garuda.

 बंधन काटि गयो उरगादा। उपजा हृदयँ प्रचंड बिषादा॥
प्रभु बंधन समुझत बहु भाँती। करत बिचार उरग आराती॥3॥

baṃdhana kāṭi gayō uragādā. upajā hṛdayaom pracaṃḍa biṣādā..
prabhu baṃdhana samujhata bahu bhāomtī. karata bicāra uraga ārātī..

When Garuda (the devourer of serpents) had cut the bonds and departed a terrible dejection possessed his soul. Racalling the Lord’s bondage, the enemy of the serpents thought over the incident in many ways :

 ब्यापक ब्रह्म बिरज बागीसा। माया मोह पार परमीसा॥
सो अवतार सुनेउँ जग माहीं। देखेउँ सो प्रभाव कछु नाहीं॥4॥

byāpaka brahma biraja bāgīsā. māyā mōha pāra paramīsā..
sō avatāra sunēuom jaga māhīṃ. dēkhēuom sō prabhāva kachu nāhīṃ..

“It was the all-pervading and passionless Brahma, the lord of speech, the supreme Ruler beyond Maya and error, who had, I was told, taken descent in this world. But I saw none of His divine glory

दोहा | Dohas:

भव बंधन ते छूटहिं नर जपि जा कर नाम।
खर्ब निसाचर बाँधेउ नागपास सोइ राम॥58॥

bhava baṃdhana tē chūṭahiṃ nara japi jā kara nāma.
kharca nisācara bāomdhēu nāgapāsa sōi rāma..58..

“The same Rama, by repeating whose Name men get freedom from the bonds of worldly existence was tied down by a puny demon with coils of snakes !”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 नाना भाँति मनहिं समुझावा। प्रगट न ग्यान हृदयँ भ्रम छावा॥
खेद खिन्न मन तर्क बढ़ाई। भयउ मोहबस तुम्हरिहिं नाई॥1॥

nānā bhāomti manahi samujhāvā. pragaṭa na gyāna hṛdayaom bhrama chāvā..
khēda khinna mana tarka baḍhaāī. bhayau mōhabasa tumharihiṃ nāī..

Garuda did all he could to reassure himself; but the light of wisdom did not dawn on him; on the other hand,error overshadowed his soul all the more. Torn by torments and full of mental questionings, he fell a prey to delusion just like yourself.

 ब्याकुल गयउ देवरिषि पाहीं। कहेसि जो संसय निज मन माहीं॥
सुनि नारदहि लागि अति दाया। सुनु खग प्रबल राम कै माया॥2॥

byākula gayau dēvariṣi pāhīṃ. kahēsi jō saṃsaya nija mana māhīṃ..
suni nāradahi lāgi ati dāyā. sunu khaga prabala rāma kai māyā..

In his perplexity he approached the celestial sage (Narada) and apprized him of the doubt that preyed upon his mind. On hearing his tale Narada was moved with great compassion and said, “Listen, Garuda: formidable is Sri Rama’s Maya (delusive power);

 जो ग्यानिन्ह कर चित अपहरई। बरिआईं बिमोह मन करई॥
जेहिं बहु बार नचावा मोही। सोइ ब्यापी बिहंगपति तोही॥3॥

jō gyāninha kara cita apaharaī. bariāī bimōha mana karaī..
jēhiṃ bahu bāra nacāvā mōhī. sōi byāpī bihaṃgapati tōhī..

it robs even the wise of their sense and bringing them under its sway clouds their mind with utter infatuation. The same Maya that befooled me many a time has laid its hold on you, O lord of the feathered creation.

 महामोह उपजा उर तोरें। मिटिहि न बेगि कहें खग मोरें॥
चतुरानन पहिं जाहु खगेसा। सोइ करेहु जेहि होई निदेसा॥4॥

mahāmōha upajā ura tōrēṃ. miṭihi na bēgi kahēṃ khaga mōrēṃ..
caturānana pahiṃ jāhu khagēsā. sōi karēhu jēhi hōi nidēsā..

A blinding infatuation has taken root in your heart and it will not be readily eradicated by any words of mine. Therefore, betake yourself to Brahma (the four-faced Creator), O lord of the winged creatures, and do whatever he enjoins you.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 अस कहि चले देवरिषि करत राम गुन गान।
हरि माया बल बरनत पुनि पुनि परम सुजान॥59॥

asa kahi calē dēvariṣi karata rāma guna gāna.
hari māyā bala baranata puni puni parama sujāna..59..

So saying the most enlightened celestial sage went his way, chanting Sri Rama’s praises and repeatedly recalling to his mind the power of Sri Hari’s Maya.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 तब खगपति बिरंचि पहिं गयऊ। निज संदेह सुनावत भयऊ॥
सुनि बिरंचि रामहि सिरु नावा। समुझि प्रताप प्रेम अति छावा॥1॥

taba khagapati biraṃci pahiṃ gayaū. nija saṃdēha sunāvata bhayaū..
suni biraṃci rāmahi siru nāvā. samujhi pratāpa prēma ati chāvā..

The lord of the feathered creation then went to the Creator and told him his doubt. On hearing his story Brahma bowed his head to Sri Rama and, realizing His might, was overwhelmed with love. The Creator mused within himself:

 हरि माया कर अमिति प्रभावा। बिपुल बार जेहिं मोहि नचावा॥2॥

hari māyā kara amiti prabhāvā. bipula bāra jēhiṃ mōhi nacāvā..

“The seers and sages as well as the learned are all dominated by Maya. Unbounded is the power of Sri Hari’s Maya, that has often made a puppet of me.

 अग जगमय जग मम उपराजा। नहिं आचरज मोह खगराजा॥
तब बोले बिधि गिरा सुहाई। जान महेस राम प्रभुताई॥3॥

aga jagamaya jaga mama uparājā. nahiṃ ācaraja mōha khagarājā..
taba bōlē bidhi girā suhāī. jāna mahēsa rāma prabhutāī..

The whole of this animate and inanimate creation was evolved by me; no wonder, then, that the king of the birds has been beguiled by it.” Thereupon Brahma said in charming accents, “The great Lord Siva is conversant with Sri Rama’s glory.

 बैनतेय संकर पहिं जाहू। तात अनत पूछहु जनि काहू॥
तहँ होइहि तव संसय हानी। चलेउ बिहंग सुनत बिधि बानी॥4॥

bainatēya saṃkara pahiṃ jāhū. tāta anata pūchahu jani kāhū..
tahaom hōihi tava saṃsaya hānī. calēu bihaṃga sunata bidhi bānī..

Therefore, O son of Vinata, approach Lord Sankara and ask no question of anyone elsewhere, dear child. There alone will your doubts be resolved.” On hearing the Creator’s advice the bird flew away.

दोहा | Dohas:

 परमातुर बिहंगपति आयउ तब मो पास।
जात रहेउँ कुबेर गृह रहिहु उमा कैलास॥60॥

paramātura bihaṃgapati āyau taba mō pāsa.
jāta rahēuom kubēra gṛha rahihu umā kailāsa..60..

Then came the lord of the feathered kingdom in utmost distress to me. At that time I was on my way to Kubera’s residence; while you, Uma, were here on Mount Kailasa.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 तेहिं मम पद सादर सिरु नावा। पुनि आपन संदेह सुनावा॥
सुनि ता करि बिनती मृदु बानी। प्रेम सहित मैं कहेउँ भवानी॥1॥

tēhiṃ mama pada sādara siru nāvā. puni āpana saṃdēha sunāvā..
suni tā kari binatī mṛdu bānī. parēma sahita maiṃ kahēuom bhavānī..

He reverently bowed his head at my feet and then placed his doubt before me. On hearing his submission, which was couched in polite terms, Bhavani, I lovingly replied to him,

 मिलेहु गरुड़ मारग महँ मोही। कवन भाँति समुझावौं तोही॥
तबहिं होइ सब संसय भंगा। जब बहु काल करिअ सतसंगा॥2॥

milēhu garuḍa māraga mahaom mōhī. kavana bhāomti samujhāvauṃ tōhī..
tabahi hōi saba saṃsaya bhaṃgā. jaba bahu kāla karia satasaṃgā..

“Garuda, you have met me on the way; how then, shall I instruct you? Doubts are wholly resolved only when one enjoys the fellowship of saints for a long time,

 सुनिअ तहाँ हरिकथा सुहाई। नाना भाँति मुनिन्ह जो गाई॥
जेहि महुँ आदि मध्य अवसाना। प्रभु प्रतिपाद्य राम भगवाना॥3॥

sunia tahāom hari kathā suhāī. nānā bhāomti muninha jō gāī..
jēhi mahuom ādi madhya avasānā. prabhu pratipādya rāma bhagavānā..

and listens there to the delightful story of Sri Hari, that has been sung by the sages in diverse ways and the sole theme of which-at the beginning, in the middle as well as at the end-is the divine Lord Sri Rama.

 नित हरि कथा होत जहँ भाई। पठवउँ तहाँ सुनहु तुम्ह जाई॥
जाइहि सुनत सकल संदेहा। राम चरन होइहि अति नेहा॥4॥

nita hari kathā hōta jahaom bhāī. paṭhavauom tahāom sunahi tumha jāī..
jāihi sunata sakala saṃdēhā. rāma carana hōihi ati nēhā..

I shall accordingly send you to a place where, O brother, the story of Sri Hari is recited everyday; you go there and listen. As you hear it all your doubts will vanish and you will develop intense love for Sri Rama’s feet.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 बिनु सतसंग न हरि कथा तेहि बिनु मोह न भाग।
मोह गएँ बिनु राम पद होइ न दृढ़ अनुराग॥61॥

binu satasaṃga na hari kathā tēhi binu mōha na bhāga.
mōha gaēom binu rāma pada hōi na dṛḍha anurāga..61..

Except in the company of saints there is no talk of Sri Hari, and one cannot be rid of error except through such talk. And till one’s error is dispersed one cannot have deep-rooted affection for Sri Rama’s feet.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 मिलहिं न रघुपति बिनु अनुरागा। किएँ जोग तप ग्यान बिरागा॥
उत्तर दिसि सुंदर गिरि नीला। तहँ रह काकभुसुण्डि सुसीला॥1॥

milahiṃ na raghupati binu anurāgā. kiēom jōga tapa gyāna birāgā..
uttara disi suṃdara giri nīlā. tahaom raha kākabhusuṃḍi susīlā..

The Lord of the Raghus cannot be found except through love, even though you may practise Yoga (mind-control) or austere penance or culivate spiritual wisdom or dispassion. In the north there is a beautiful blue mountain called Nilagiri, where lives the amiable Kakabhusundi,

राम भगति पथ परम प्रबीना। ग्यानी गुन गृह बहु कालीना॥
राम कथा सो कहइ निरंतर। सादर सुनहिं बिबिध बिहंगबर॥2॥

rāma bhagati patha parama prabīnā. gyānī guna gṛha bahu kālīnā..
rāma kathā sō kahai niraṃtara. sādara sunahiṃ bibidha bihaṃgabara..

highly conversant with the path of Devotion to Sri Rama, enlightened, full of all good qualities and ages old. He unceasingly recites Sri Rama’s narrative and noble birds of different species reverently listen to it.

 जाइ सुनहु तहँ हरि गुन भूरी। होइहि मोह जनित दुख दूरी॥
मैं जब तेहि सब कहा बुझाई। चलेउ हरषि मम पद सिरु नाई॥3॥

jāi sunahu tahaom hari guna bhūrī. hōihi mōha janita dukha dūrī..
maiṃ jaba tēhi saba kahā bujhāī. calēu haraṣi mama pada siru nāī..

Go there and hear of the many virtues of Sri Hari; your distress born of infatuation will thus disappear.” When I had thus told him everything in unambiguous terms, Garuda bowed his head at my feet and departed with joy.

 ताते उमा न मैं समुझावा। रघुपति कृपाँ मरमु मैं पावा॥
होइहि कीन्ह कबहुँ अभिमाना। सो खोवै चह कृपानिधाना॥4॥

tātē umā na maiṃ samujhāvā. raghupati kṛpāom maramu maiṃ pāvā..
hōihi kīnha kabahuom abhimānā. sō khauvai caha kṛpānidhānā..

Uma, I did not instruct him myself, because by the grace of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) I had come to know the secret (of Garuda’s infatuation). He must have given vent to his pride on some ocassion and the All-merciful evidently wished to cure him of it.

 कछु तेहि ते पुनि मैं नहिं राखा। समुझइ खग खगही कै भाषा॥
प्रभु माया बलवंत भवानी। जाहि न मोह कवन अस ग्यानी॥5॥

kachu tēhi tē puni maiṃ nahiṃ rākhā. samujhai khaga khagahī kai bhāṣā..
prabhu māyā balavaṃta bhavānī. jāhi na mōha kavana asa gyānī..

Partly there was another reason why I did not detain him; a bird can follow the language of a bird alone. My lord’s Maya, Bhavani, is formidable; who is there so wise as not to be beguiled by it?”

दोहा | Dohas:

 ग्यानी भगत सिरोमनि त्रिभुवनपति कर जान।
ताहि मोह माया नर पावँर करहिं गुमान॥62 क॥

gyāni bhagata sirōmani tribhuvanapati kara jāna.
tāhi mōha māyā nara pāvaomra karahiṃ gumāna..62ka..

Even Garuda, the very crest-jewel of devotees and enlightened souls and the mount of Lord Visnu (the sovereign of the three spheres), was deluded by Maya how absurd, then, the poor mortals vaunt their immunity from it.

 सिव बिरंचि कहुँ मोहइ को है बपुरा आन।
अस जियँ जानि भजहिं मुनि माया पति भगवान॥62 ख॥

siva biraṃci kahuom mōhai kō hai bapurā āna.
asa jiyaom jāni bhajahiṃ muni māyā pati bhagavāna..62kha..

The Lord’s Maya beguiles even Siva and Brahma; of what account in any poor creature? Bearing this in mind, the sages adore the divine Lord of Maya.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 गयउ गरुड़ जहँ बसइ भुसुण्डा। मति अकुंठ हरि भगति अखंडा॥
देखि सैल प्रसन्न मन भयउ। माया मोह सोच सब गयऊ॥1॥

gayau garuḍa jahaom basai bhusuṃḍā. mati akuṃṭha hari bhagati akhaṃḍā..
dēkhi saila prasanna mana bhayaū. māyā mōha sōca saba gayaū..

Garuda went to the abode of Bhusundi (Kakabhusundi) of unhampered intellect and possessing uninterrupted devotion to Sri Hari. At the sight of the mountain his heart rejoiced and he was rid of all Maya (delusion), infatuation and anxiety.

 करि तड़ाग मज्जन जलपाना। बट तर गयउ हृदयँ हरषाना॥
बृद्ध बृद्ध बिहंग तहँ आए। सुनै राम के चरित सुहाए॥2॥

kari taḍaāga majjana jalapānā. baṭa tara gayau hṛdayaom haraṣānā..
bṛddha bṛddha bihaṃga tahaom āē. sunai rāma kē carita suhāē..

After bathing in the tarn and drinking of its water he betook himself under the banyan tree, delighted at heart. Aged birds of all kinds flocked there to hear Sri Rama’s charming exploits.

कथा अरंभ करै सोइ चाहा। तेही समय गयउ खगनाहा॥
आवत देखि सकल खगराजा। हरषेउ बायस सहित समाजा॥3॥

kathā araṃbha karai sōi cāhā. tēhī samaya gayau khaganāhā..
āvata dēkhi sakala khagarājā. haraṣēu bāyasa sahita samājā..

Bhusundi was just on the point of commencing the narration when the king of the birds arrived. All were rejoiced to see the king of the whole feathered creation approach, the crow no less than the rest of the assembly.

 अति आदर खगपति कर कीन्हा। स्वागत पूछि सुआसन दीन्हा॥
करि पूजा समेत अनुरागा। मधुर बचन तब बोलेउ कागा॥4॥

ati ādara khagapati kara kīnhā. svāgata pūchi suāsana dīnhā..
kari pūjā samēta anurāgā. madhura bacana taba bōlēu kāgā..

Bhusundi received the king of the birds with the utmost reverence and, having enquired after his welfare, conducted him to an exalted seat. After offering him loving worship the crow addressed him in honeyed accents:-

दोहा | Dohas:

 नाथ कृतारथ भयउँ मैं तव दरसन खगराज।
आयसु देहु सो करौं अब प्रभु आयहु केहि काज॥63 क॥

nātha kṛtāratha bhayauom maiṃ tava darasana khagarāja.
āyasu dēhu sō karauṃ aba prabhu āyahu kēhi kāja..63ka..

My lord, I have been blessed by your sight; now let me do whatever you bid me, O king of the birds. With what object have you come, my master ?”

 सदा कृतारथ रूप तुम्ह कह मृदु बचन खगेस।॥
जेहि कै अस्तुति सादर निज मुख कीन्ह महेस॥63 ख॥

sadā kṛtāratha rūpa tumha kaha mṛdu bacana khagēsa.
jēhi kai astuti sādara nija mukha kīnhi mahēsa..63kha..

“You have always been a picture of blessedness,” replied the lord of the feathered kingdom in gentle phrase, “as I find that the great Lord Siva reverently extolled you with His own mouth.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 सुनहु तात जेहि कारन आयउँ। सो सब भयउ दरस तव पायउँ॥
देखि परम पावन तव आश्रम। गयउ मोह संसय नाना भ्रम॥1॥

sunahu tāta jēhi kārana āyauom. sō saba bhayau darasa tava pāyauom..
dēkhi parama pāvana tava āśrama. gayau mōha saṃsaya nānā bhrama..

“Listen, dear one : the object for which I came has already been fully accomplished and I have also had the privilege of seeing you. At the very sight of your most holy hermitage my infatuation, doubt and many misconceptions have been removed.

 अब श्रीराम कथा अति पावनि। सदा सुखद दुख पुंज नसावनि॥
सादर तात सुनावहु मोही। बार बार बिनवउँ प्रभु तोही॥2॥

aba śrīrāma kathā ati pāvani. sadā sukhada dukha puṃja nasāvani..
sādara tāta sunāvahu mōhī. bāra bāra binavauom prabhu tōhī..

Now, dear one, narrate to me with due reverence the most sacred story of Sri Rama, which is ever delightful and a cure for all sufferings. This is what I beg of you again and again.”

 सुनत गरुड़ कै गिरा बिनीता। सरल सुप्रेम सुखद सुपुनीता॥
भयउ तास मन परम उछाहा। लाग कहै रघुपति गुन गाहा॥3॥

sunata garuḍa kai girā binītā. sarala suprēma sukhada supunītā..
bhayau tāsu mana parama uchāhā. lāga kahai raghupati guna gāhā..

The moment Bhusundi heard Garuda’s prayer, humble, sincere, loving; delightful and pious, a supreme joy diffused over his soul and he commenced recounting the virtues of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus).

 प्रथमहिं अति अनुराग भवानी। रामचरित सर कहेसि बखानी॥
पुनि नारद कर मोह अपारा। कहेसि बहुरि रावन अवतारा॥4॥

prathamahiṃ ati anurāga bhavānī. rāmacarita sara kahēsi bakhānī..
puni nārada kara mōha apārā. kahēsi bahuri rāvana avatārā..

First of all, with fervent devotion, O Bhavani, he gave an elaborate description of the lake of Sri Rama’s exploits. Next he told about Narada’s terrible infatuation and then of Ravana’s incarnation.

 प्रभु अवतार कथा पुनि गाई। तब सिसु चरित कहेसि मन लाई॥5॥

prabhu avatāra kathā puni gāī. taba sisu carita kahēsi mana lāī..

Thereafter he sang the story of the Lord’s descent and then recounted with deep interest His childlike sports.

दोहा | Dohas:

 बालचरित कहि बिबिधि बिधि मन महँ परम उछाह।
रिषि आगवन कहेसि पुनि श्रीरघुबीर बिबाह॥64॥

bālacarita kahiṃ bibidha bidhi mana mahaom parama uchāha.
riṣi āgavana kahēsi puni śrī raghubīra bibāha..64..

After narrating His boyish sports of various kinds with the utmost rapture of soul he told of the sage’s (Visvamitra’s) arrival and thereafter of Sri Rama’s wedding.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 बहुरि राम अभिषेक प्रसंगा। पुनि नृप बचन राज रस भंगा॥
पुरबासिन्ह कर बिरह बिषादा। कहेसि राम लछिमन संबादा॥1॥

bahuri rāma abhiṣēka prasaṃgā. puni nṛpa bacana rāja rasa bhaṃgā..
purabāsinha kara biraha biṣādā. kahēsi rāma lachimana saṃbādā..

Then he narrated the episode of Sri Rama’s projected installaion (as the PrinceRegent of Ayodhya) and after that he spoke of the sudden interruption in the festivities connected with the installation due to King Dasaratha’s solemn pledge (to Kaikeyi), as well as of the citizens’ agony at Rama’s parting. He then reproduced the dialogue between Sri Rama and Laksmana

 बिपिन गवन केवट अनुरागा। सुरसरि उतरि निवास प्रयागा॥
बालमीक प्रभु मिलन बखाना। चित्रकूट जिमि बसे भगवाना॥2॥

bipina gavana kēvaṭa anurāgā. surasari utari nivāsa prayāgā..
bālamīka prabhu milana bakhānā. citrakūṭa jimi basē bhagavānā..

further described their journey to the forest, the devotion of the boatman and their ferrying across the celestial stream (Ganga) and halt at Prayaga. He further described the Lord’s meeting with the sage Valmiki and how the divine Sri Rama sojourned at Citrakuta.

 सचिवागवन नगर नृप मरना। भरतागवन प्रेम बहु बरना॥
करि नृप क्रिया संग पुरबासी। भरत गए जहाँ प्रभु सुख रासी॥3॥

sacivāgavana nagara nṛpa maranā. bharatāgavana prēma bahu baranā..
kari nṛpa kriyā saṃga purabāsī. bharata gaē jahaom prabhu sukha rāsī..

Again, he then told of the minister’s (Sumantra’s) return to the capital, the King’s demise, Bharata’s coming back (from his maternal grandfather’s) as well as his abundant love (for Sri Rama). He further related how after performing the King’s obsequies Bharata with all the citizens betook himself to where the All-blissful Lord was,

 पुनि रघुपति बहु बिधि समुझाए। लै पादुका अवधपुर आए॥
भरत रहनि सुरपति सुत करनी। प्रभु अरु अत्रि भेंट पुनि बरनी॥4॥

puni raghupati bahu bidhi samujhāē. lai pādukā avadhapura āē..
bharata rahani surapati suta karanī. prabhu aru atri bhēṃṭa puni baranī..

and how when the Lord of the Raghus consoled him in every way he took the Lord’s sandals and returned to the city of Ayodhya. Bhusundi continued and described Bharata’s mode of life (at Nandigrama), the (mischievous) conduct of Jayanta (the son of Indra, the lord of the celestials) and the Lord’s meeting with the sage Atri.

दोहा | Dohas:

 कहि बिराध बध जेहि बिधि देह तजी सरभंग।
बरनि सुतीछन प्रीति पुनि प्रभ अगस्ति सतसंग॥65॥

kahi birādha badha jēhi bidhi dēha tajī sarabhaṃga..
barani sutīchana prīti puni prabhu agasti satasaṃga..65..

After giving an account of Viradha’s death (at the hands of the Lord) he told how the sage Sarabhanga dropped his body, and further described Sutiksna’s devotion and also the Lord’s holy communion with the sage Agastya.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 कहि दंडक बन पावनताई। गीध मइत्री पुनि तेहिं गाई॥
पुनि प्रभु पंचबटीं कृत बासा। भंजी सकल मुनिन्ह की त्रासा॥1॥

kahi daṃḍaka bana pāvanatāī. gīdha maitrī puni tēhiṃ gāī..
puni prabhu paṃcavaṭīṃ kṛta bāsā. bhaṃjī sakala muninha kī trāsā..

After speaking about the purification of the Dandaka forest Bhusundi told of the Lord’s friendship with the vulture king (Jatayu). He further narrated how the Lord took up His abode at Pancavati and dissipated the fears of all the hermits.

 पुनि लछिमन उपदेस अनूपा। सूपनखा जिमि कीन्हि कुरूपा॥
खर दूषन बध बहुरि बखाना। जिमि सब मरमु दसानन जाना॥2॥

puni lachimana upadēsa anūpā. sūpanakhā jimi kīnhi kurūpā..
khara dūṣana badha bahuri bakhānā. jimi saba maramu dasānana jānā..

Then came the Lord’s incomparable exhortation to Laksmana and the story of Surpanakha’s mutilation. He further narrated the death of Khara and Dusana (at the Lord’s hands) and how Ravana (the ten-headed monster) got all the information.

 दसकंधर मारीच बतकही। जेहि बिधि भई सो सब तेहिं कही॥
पुनि माया सीता कर हरना। श्रीरघुबीर बिरह कछु बरना॥3॥

dasakaṃdhara mārīca batakahīṃ. jēhi bidhi bhaī sō saba tēhiṃ kahī..
puni māyā sītā kara haranā. śrīraghubīra biraha kachu baranā..

Again, he then told all the particulars of the latter’s talk with Marica. Thereafter he described the abduction of the fictitious Sita and briefly referred to the desolation of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line).

 पुनि प्रभु गीध क्रिया जिमि कीन्हीं। बधि कबंध सबरिहि गति दीन्ही॥
बहुरि बिरह बरनत रघुबीरा। जेहि बिधि गए सरोबर तीरा॥4॥

puni prabhu gīdha kriyā jimi kīnhī. badhi kabaṃdha sabarihi gati dīnhī..
bahuri biraha baranata raghubīrā. jēhi bidhi gaē sarōbara tīrā..

After this he told how the Lord performed the Obsequies of the vulture king, slew the demon Kabandha and bestowed the highest state (final beatitude) on Sabari (the Bhila woman), and further narrated how the Hero of Raghu’s line went to the bank of the Pampa lake, bewailing His desolation all the way.

दोहा | Dohas:

 प्रभु नारद संबाद कहि मारुति मिलन प्रसंग।
पुनि सुग्रीव मिताई बालि प्रान कर भंग॥66 क॥

prabhu nārada saṃbāda kahi māruti milana prasaṃga.
puni sugrīva mitāī bāli prāna kara bhaṃga..66ka..

After repeating the Lord’s talk with the sage Narada as well as the episode of His meeting with the son of the wind-good, Bhusundi told of Sri Rama’s alliance with Sugriva and of Vali’s death at His hands.

 कपिहि तिलक करि प्रभु कृत सैल प्रबरषन बास।
बरनन बर्षा सरद अरु राम रोष कपि त्रास॥66 ख॥

kapihi tilaka kari prabhu kṛta saila prabaraṣana bāsa.
baranana barṣā sarada aru rāma rōṣa kapi trāsa..66kha..

He further related how after installing Sugriva (on the throne of Kiskindha) the Lord took up His abode on Mount Pravarsana, gave an account of the rains as well as of the autumn that immediately followed and told of Sri Rama’s wrath on Sugriva and the latter’s dismay

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 जेहि बिधि कपिपति कीस पठाए। सीता खोज सकल दिदि धाए॥
बिबर प्रबेस कीन्ह जेहि भाँति। कपिन्ह बहोरि मिला संपाती॥1॥

jēhi bidhi kapipati kīsa paṭhāē. sītā khōja sakala disi dhāē..
bibara prabēsa kīnha jēhi bhāomtī. kapinha bahōri milā saṃpātī..

The crow further narrated how Sugriva (the lord of the monkeys) sent out monkeys, who rushed forth in every direction in quest of Sita; how the party sent to the south entered a cave and were met later on by Sampati (Jatayu’s elder brother);

 सुनि सब कथा समीरकुमारा। नाघत भयउ पयोधि अपारा॥
लंकाँ कपि प्रबेस जिमि कीन्हा। पुनि सीतहि धीरजु जिमि दीन्हा॥2॥

suni saba kathā samīrakumārā. nāghata bhayau payōdhi apārā..
laṃkāom kapi prabēsa jimi kīnhā. puni sītahi dhīraju jimi dīnhā..

how after hearing all the news from him the son of the wind-god jumped over the vast ocean, how the monkey chief made his way into Lanka and how later on he saw and reassured Sita;

 बन उजारि रावनहि प्रबोधी। पुर दहि नाघेउ बहुरि पयोधी॥
आए कपि सब जहँ रघुराई। बैदेही की कुसल सुनाई॥3॥

bana ujāri rāvanahi prabōdhī. pura dahi nāghēu bahuri payōdhī..
āē kapi saba jahaom raghurāī. baidēhī ki kusala sunāī..

how after laying waste the grove (where Sita had been lodged) and exhorting Ravana he set fire to his capital and leapt back across the sea; how the whole party of the monkeys rejoined the Lord of the Raghus and told Him of Sita’s welfare

 सेन समेति जथा रघुबीरा। उतरे जाइ बारिनिधि तीरा॥
मिला बिभीषन जेहि बिधि आई। सागर निग्रह कथा सुनाई॥4॥

sēna samēti jathā raghubīrā. utarē jāi bārinidhi tīrā..
milā bibhīṣana jēhi bidhi āī. sāgara nigraha kathā sunāī..

how the Hero of Raghu’s line with His army went and encamped on the seashore and how Vibhisana came and saw Him; and further recited the story of the ocean’s subjugation.

दोहा | Dohas:

 सेतु बाँधि कपि सेन जिमि उतरी सागर पार।
गयउ बसीठी बीरबर जेहि बिधि बालिकुमार॥67 क॥

sētu bāomdhi kapi sēna jimi utarī sāgara pāra.
gayau basīṭhī bīrabara jēhi bidhi bālikumāra..67ka..

Bhusundi then narrated how after building a bridge across the ocean the monkey host crossed over to the other side and how the most heroic son of Vali went as an envoy to Ravana.

 निसिचर कीस लराई बरनिसि बिबिध प्रकार।
कुंभकरन घननाद कर बल पौरुष संघार॥67 ख॥

nisicara kīsa larāī baranisi bibidha prakāra.
kuṃbhakarana ghananāda kara bala pauruṣa saṃghāra..67kha..

He further described the conflict between the demons and the monkeys in all its phases, and in course of it the might and valour, and eventually the destruction, of Kumbhakarna and Meghanada.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 निसिचर निकर मरन बिधि नाना। रघुपति रावन समर बखाना॥
रावन बध मंदोदरि सोका। राज बिभीषन देव असोका॥1॥

nisicara nikara marana bidhi nānā. raghupati rāvana samara bakhānā..
rāvana badha maṃdōdari sōkā. rāja bibhīṣaṇa dēva asōkā..

The crow then told about the extermination of the demon host and the various phases of the combat between the Lord of the Raghus and Ravana, Ravana’s death and Mandodari’s lament, the enthronement of Vibhisana, the cessation of the gods’ sorrow

 सीता रघुपति मिलन बहोरी। सुरन्ह कीन्हि अस्तुति कर जोरी॥
पुनि पुष्पक चढ़ि कपिन्ह समेता। अवध चले प्रभु कृपा निकेता॥2॥

sītā raghupati milana bahōrī. suranha kīnha astuti kara jōrī..
puni puṣpaka caḍhai kapinha samētā. avadha calē prabhu kṛpā nikētā..

Sita’s reunion with the Lord of the Raghus. He further narrated how the gods with joined palms hymned the Lord’s praises, how the All-merciful Lord then mounted the aerial car known by the name of Puspaka alongwith the monkeys and flew to Ayodhya

 जेहि बिधि राम नगर निज आए। बायस बिसद चरित सब गाए॥
कहेसि बहोरि राम अभिषेका। पुर बरनत नृपनीति अनेका॥3॥

jēhi bidhi rāma nagara nija āē. bāyasa bisada carita saba gāē..
kahēsi bahōri rāma abhiṣaikā. pura baranata nṛpanīti anēkā..

-how Sri Rama arrived at His own capital and all such holy doings. He then told of Sri Rama’s coronation and also described the city and all its kingly polity.

 कथा समस्त भुसुंड बखानी। जो मैं तुम्ह सन कही भवानी॥
सुनि सब राम कथा खगनाहा। कहत बचन मन परम उछाहा॥4॥

kathā samasta bhusuṃḍa bakhānī. jō maiṃ tumha sana kahī bhavānī..
suni saba rāma kathā khaganāhā. kahata bacana mana parama uchāhā..

In this way Bhusundi narrated the whole story as I have already told you, Bhavani. When he heard the whole of Sri Rama’s narrative, Garuda’s mind was filled with rapture and he spoke as follows:-

सोरठा | Sorthas:

 गयउ मोर संदेह सुनेउँ सकल रघुपति चरित।
भयउ राम पद नेह तव प्रसाद बायस तिलक॥68 क॥

gayau mōra saṃdēha sunēuom sakala raghupati carita.
bhayau rāma pada nēha tava prasāda bāyasa tilaka..68ka..

“My doubts have gone, now that I have heard the whole of Sri Rama’s narrative. And by your grace, O best of crows, I have developed devotion to Sri Rama’s feet.

मोहि भयउ अति मोह प्रभु बंधन रन महुँ निरखि।
चिदानंद संदोह राम बिकल कारन कवन॥68 ख॥

mōhi bhayau ati mōha prabhu baṃdhana rana mahuom nirakhi.
cidānaṃda saṃdōha rāma bikala kārana kavana. 68kha..

A mighty bewilderment possessed me when I saw the Lord bound in battle : Sri Rama is Knowledge and Bliss personified; how can He be embarrassed?”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 देखि चरित अति नर अनुसारी। भयउ हृदयँ मम संसय भारी॥
सोई भ्रम अब हित करि मैं माना। कीन्ह अनुग्रह कृपानिधाना॥1॥

dēkhi carita ati nara anusārī. bhayau hṛdayaom mama saṃsaya bhārī..
sōi bhrama aba hita kari maiṃ mānā. kīnha anugraha kṛpānidhānā..

“As I found His ways so closely resembling those of a human being, a grievous doubt arose in my soul. Now I regard that error of mine as a blessing and feel that the All-merciful bestowed a favour on me (in the form of that error).

 जो अति आतप ब्याकुल होई। तरु छाया सुख जानइ सोई॥
जौं नहिं होत मोह अति मोही। मिलतेउँ तात कवन बिधि तोही॥2॥

jō ati ātapa byākula hōī. taru chāyā sukha jānai sōī..
jauṃ nahiṃ hōta mōha ati mōhī. milatēuom tāta kavana bidhi tōhī..

For he alone who is terribly oppressed with the heat of the sun can appreciate the blessing of an umbrageous tree. Had I not thus fallen a prey to gross infatuation, how could it have been possible for me to meet you, revered sir,

 सुनतेउँ किमि हरि कथा सुहाई। अति बिचित्र बहु बिधि तुम्ह गाई॥
निगमागम पुरान मत एहा। कहहिं सिद्ध मुनि नहिं संदेहा॥3॥

sunatēuom kimi hari kathā suhāī. ati bicitra bahu bidhi tumha gāī..
nigamāgama purāna mata ēhā. kahahiṃ siddha muni nahiṃ saṃdēhā..

and how could I get an opportunity to hear the charming and most wonderful story of Sri Hari that you have just sung in all its details. The Vedas, the Tantras and the Puranas are at one on this point and so declare the Siddhas and sages in unequivocal terms that –

 संत बिसुद्ध मिलहिं परि तेही। चितवहिं राम कृपा करि जेही॥
राम कपाँ तव दरसन भयऊ। तव प्रसाद सब संसय गयऊ॥4॥

saṃta bisuddha milahiṃ pari tēhī. citavahiṃ rāma kṛpā kari jēhī..
rāma kṛpāom tava darasana bhayaū. tava prasāda saba saṃsaya gayaū..

the fellowship of genuine saints is only attained by those whom Sri Rama regards with favour. By Sri Rama’s grace I have been blessed with your sight and by your blessing, again, all my doubts have disappeared.”

दोहा | Dohas:

सुनि बिहंगपति बानी सहित बिनय अनुराग।
पुलक गात लोचन सजल मन हरषेउ अति काग॥69 क॥

suni bihaṃgapati bānī sahita binaya anurāga.
pulaka gāta lōcana sajala mana haraṣēu ati kāga..69ka..

On hearing Garuda’s speech, so modest and affectionate, the crow was greatly rejoiced at heart; every hair on his body stood erect and tears rushed to his eyes.

 श्रोता सुमति सुसील सुचि कथा रसिक हरि दास।
पाइ उमा अति गोप्यमपि सज्जन करहिं प्रकास॥69 ख॥

śrōtā sumati susīla suci kathā rasika hari dāsa.
pāi umā ati gōpyamapi sajjana karahiṃ prakāsa..69kha.

Uma, (continues Lord Siva,) saints reveal their profoundest secrets when they find a listener who is not only intelligent, virtuous and pious, but fond of Sri Rama’s story and a devotee of Sri Hari.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 बोलेउ काकभुसुंड बहोरी। नभग नाथ पर प्रीति न थोरी॥
सब बिधि नाथ पूज्य तुम्ह मेरे। कृपापात्र रघुनायक केरे॥1॥

bōlēu kākabhasuṃḍa bahōrī. nabhaga nātha para prīti na thōrī..
saba bidhi nātha pūjya tumha mērē. kṛpāpātra raghunāyaka kērē..

Then answered Kakabhusundi, who had no small affection for the lord of the feathered creation : “My lord, you are in everyway entitled to my homage, a recipient as you are of Sri Rama’s favour.

 तुम्हहि न संसय मोह न माया। मो पर नाथ कीन्हि तुम्ह दाया॥
पठइ मोह मिस खगपति तोही। रघुपति दीन्हि बड़ाई मोही॥2॥

tumhahi na saṃsaya mōha na māyā. mō para nātha kīnha tumha dāyā..
paṭhai mōha misa khagapati tōhī. raghupati dīnhi baḍaāī mōhī..

You had neither doubt nor infatuation, nor delusion; it was only an excuse, my lord, for doing me a kindness. By sending you, O king of the birds, under the pretext of infatuation the Lord of the Raghus has conferred an honour on me.

 तुम्ह निज मोह कही खग साईं। सो नहिं कछु आचरज गोसाईं॥
नारद भव बिरंचि सनकादी। जे मुनिनायक आतमबादी॥3॥

tumha nija mōha kahī khaga sāīṃ. sō nahiṃ kachu ācaraja gōsāīṃ..
nārada bhava biraṃci sanakādī. jē munināyaka ātamabādī..

Yet, my lord, there is nothing peculiar in that delusion of yours of which you have told me, O king of the birds; for the celestial sage Narada, Bhava (Lord Siva) and Viranci (the Creator), as well as Sanaka and the other great sages,

 मोह न अंध कीन्ह केहि केही। को जग काम नचाव नजेही॥
तृस्नाँ केहि न कीन्ह बौराहा। केहि कर हृदय क्रोध नहिं दाहा॥4॥

mōha na aṃdha kīnha kēhi kēhī. kō jaga kāma nacāva na jēhī..
tṛsnāom kēhi na kīnha baurāhā. kēhi kara hṛdaya krōdha nahiṃ dāhā..

exponents of the truth of the Spirit- which of these has not been blinded by infatuation? Again, is there anyone in this world whom lust has not made a puppet of? Who has not been maddened by the thirst for enjoyment and whose heart has not been inflamed by anger?

दोहा | Dohas:

ग्यानी तापस सूर कबि कोबिद गुन आगार।
केहि कै लोभ बिडंबना कीन्हि न एहिं संसार॥ 70 क॥

gyānī tāpasa sūra kabi kōbida guna āgāra.
kēhi kai laubha biḍaṃbanā kīnhi na ēhiṃ saṃsāra..70ka..

Is there any sage, ascetic, hero, seer, man of learning or man of virtue in this world, whom greed has not batrayed?

 श्री मद बक्र न कीन्ह केहि प्रभुता बधिर न काहि।
मृगलोचनि के नैन सर को अस लाग न जाहि॥ 70 ख॥

śrī mada bakra na kīnha kēhi prabhutā badhira na kāhi.
mṛgalōcani kē naina sara kō asa lāga na jāhi..70kha..

Again, whom has the pride of pelf not perverted? Who has not been deafened by power? And is there anyone who has not been smitten by the shaft-like glances of a fawn-eyed woman?

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 गुन कृत सन्यपात नहिं केही। कोउ न मान मद तजेउ निबेही॥
जोबन ज्वर केहि नहिं बलकावा। ममता केहि कर जस न नसावा॥1॥

guna kṛta sanyapāta nahiṃ kēhī. kōu na māna mada tajēu nibēhī..
jōbana jvara kēhi nahiṃ balakāvā. mamatā kēhi kara jasa na nasāvā..

Who is not thrown out of his mental equipoise by the combined action of the three Gunas (modes of Prakrti) as by the synchronous derangement of the three humours of the body (which generally proves fatal to the victim according to the principles of ayurveda)? None has escaped the stings of pride and arrogance. Who does not get wildly excited under an attack of fever in the form of youth and whose good reputation is not marred by worldly attachment?

 मच्छर काहि कलंक न लावा। काहि न सोक समीर डोलावा॥
चिंता साँपिनि को नहिं खाया। को जग जाहि न ब्यापी माया॥2॥

macchara kāhi kalaṃka na lāvā. kāhi na sōka samīra ḍōlāvā..
ciṃtā sāompini kō nahiṃ khāyā. kō jaga jāhi na byāpī māyā..

Who does not incur obloquy through envy and who is not shaken by the blast of grief? Who does not incur obloquy through envy and who is not shaken by the blast of grief? Who is not bitten by the serpent of care? And is there anyone in this world who is not overcome by Maya (the delusive potency of God)?

 कीट मनोरथ दारु सरीरा। जेहि न लाग घुन को अस धीरा॥
सुत बित लोक ईषना तीनी। केहि कै मति इन्ह कृत न मलीनी॥3॥

kīṭa manōratha dāru sarīrā. jēhi na lāga ghuna kō asa dhīrā..
suta bita lōka īṣanā tīnī. kēhi kē mati inha kṛta na malīnī..

Again, is there anyone so resolute of mind, whose body is not being consumed by desire as a piece of wood is eaten away by a wooded-borer? Whose mind has not been polluted by the threefold desire-the desire of progeny, the desire of wealth and the desire of fame?

 यह सब माया कर परिवारा। प्रबल अमिति को बरनै पारा॥
सिव चतुरानन जाहि डेराहीं। अपर जीव केहि लेखे माहीं॥4॥

yaha saba māyā kara parivārā. prabala amiti kō baranai pārā..
siva caturānana jāhi ḍērāhīṃ. apara jīva kēhi lēkhē māhīṃ..

All these constitute the retinue of Maya, formidable and infinite in number, more than any can tell. Even Lord Siva and the four-faced Brahma (the Creator) are ever afraid of these; of what account, then, are other creatures?

दोहा | Dohas:
ब्यापि रहेउ संसार महुँ माया कटक प्रचंड।
सेनापति कामादि भट दंभ कपट पाषंड॥ 71 क॥
byāpi rahēu saṃsāra mahuom māyā kaṭaka pracaṃḍa..
sēnāpati kāmādi bhaṭa daṃbha kapaṭa pāṣaṃḍa..71ka..
Maya’s formidable army is spread over the whole universe. Concupiscence and others (viz., Anger and Greed) are its generals; Hypocrisy, Deceit and Heresy its champions.
सो दासी रघुबीर कै समुझें मिथ्या सोपि।
छूट न राम कृपा बिनु नाथ कहउँ पद रोपि॥ 71 ख॥
sō dāsī raghubīra kai samujhēṃ mithyā sōpi.
chūṭa na rāma kṛpā binu nātha kahauom pada rōpi..71kha..
That Maya, however, is Sri Rama’s own handmaid; though unreal when understood, there is no release from her grip except by Sri Rama’s grace: I declare this with the utmost confidence.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
जो माया सब जगहि नचावा। जासु चरित लखि काहुँ न पावा॥
सोइ प्रभु भ्रू बिलास खगराजा। नाच नटी इव सहित समाजा॥1॥
jō māyā saba jagahi nacāvā. jāsu carita lakhi kāhuom na pāvā..
sōi prabhu bhrū bilāsa khagarājā. nāca naṭī iva sahita samājā..

The same Maya that has made a puppet of the whole world and whose ways are unknown to anyone, dences with all her troups like an actress on the stage to the play of the Lord’s eyebrows, O king of birds.

सोइ सच्चिदानंद घन रामा। अज बिग्यान रूप बल धामा॥
ब्यापक ब्याप्य अखंड अनंता। अकिल अमोघसक्ति भगवंता॥2॥
sōi saccidānaṃda ghana rāmā. aja bigyāna rūpō bala dhāmā..
byāpaka byāpya akhaṃḍa anaṃtā. akhila amōghasakti bhagavaṃtā..

Such is Sri Rama, who is devoid of birth, the totality of Existence, Knowledge and Bliss, wisdom personified, the home of beauty and strength.

अगुन अदभ्र गिरा गोतीता। सबदरसी अनवद्य अजीता॥
निर्मम निराकार निरमोहा। नित्य निरंजन सुख संदोहा॥3॥
aguna adabhra girā gōtītā. sabadarasī anavadya ajītā..
nirmama nirākāra niramōhā. nitya niraṃjana sukha saṃdōhā..

He is both pervading and pervaded, fractionless, infinite and integral, the Lord of unfailing power, attributeless, vast, transcending speech as well as the other senses, all-seeing, free from blemish, invincible, unattached, devoid of form, free from error, eternal and untainted by Maya,

प्रकृति पार प्रभु सब उर बासी। ब्रह्म निरीह बिरज अबिनासी॥
इहाँ मोह कर कारन नाहीं। रबि सन्मुख तम कबहुँ कि जाहीं॥4॥
prakṛti pāra prabhu saba ura bāsī. brahma nirīha biraja abināsī..
ihāom mōha kara kārana nāhīṃ. rabi sanmukha tama kabahuom ki jāhīṃ..

beyond the realm of Prakrti (Matter), bliss personified, the Lord indwelling the heart of all, the actionless Brahma, free from passion and imperishable. In Him error finds no ground to stand upon; can the shades of darkness ever approach the sun?

दोहा | Dohas:
भगत हेतु भगवान प्रभु राम धरेउ तनु भूप।
किए चरित पावन परम प्राकृत नर अनुरूप॥ 72 क॥
bhagata hētu bhagavāna prabhu rāma dharēu tanu bhūpa.
kiē carita pāvana parama prākṛta nara anurūpa..72ka..

For the sake of His devotees, the divine Lord Sri Rama took the form of an earthly sovereign and performed most sacred deeds, in the manner of an ordinary mortal,

जथा अनेक बेष धरि नृत्य करइ नट कोइ।
सोइ सोइ भाव देखावइ आपुन होइ न सोइ॥ 72 ख॥
jathā anēka bēṣa dhari nṛtya karai naṭa kōi.
sōi sōi bhāva dēkhāvai āpuna hōi na sōi..72kha..

even as an actor, while acting on the stage, assumes various guises and exhibits different characters but himself remains the same.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
असि रघुपति लीला उरगारी। दनुज बिमोहनि जन सुखकारी॥
जे मति मलिन बिषय बस कामी। प्रभु पर मोह धरहिं इमि स्वामी॥1॥
asi raghupati līlā uragārī. danuja bimōhani jana sukhakārī..
jē mati malina biṣayabasa kāmī. prabhu mōha dharahiṃ imi svāmī..

Such, O enemy of serpents, is the pastime of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), a bewilderment to the demons but a delight to His servants. Those who are impure of mind, given over to the pleasures of sense and slaves of passion attribute infatuation to the Lord in the following manner, my master.

नयन दोष जा कहँ जब होई। पीत बरन ससि कहुँ कह सोई॥
जब जेहि दिसि भ्रम होई खगेसा। सो कह पच्छिम उयउ दिनेसा॥2॥
nayana dōṣa jā kahaom jaba hōī. pīta barana sasi kahuom kaha sōī..
jaba jēhi disi bhrama hōi khagēsā. sō kaha pacchima uyau dinēsā..

He who has a jaundiced eye declares the moon as of a yellow colour so long as the disease is there. When a man is bewildered as to the point of the compass, O Garuda, he affirms that the sun has risen in the west.

नौकारूढ़ चलत जग देखा। अचल मोह बस आपुहि लेखा॥
बालक भ्रमहिं न भ्रमहिं गृहादी। कहहिं परस्पर मिथ्याबादी॥3॥
naukārūḍha calata jaga dēkhā. acala mōha basa āpuhi lēkhā..
bālaka bhramahiṃ na bhramahiṃ gṛhādīṃ. kahahiṃ paraspara mithyābādī..

A man who is sailing on a boat finds the world moving and deludes himself with the idea that he himself is standing still. Children whirl round in play, but not the surrounding buildings etc., yet they dub one another a liar (when some of them insist that it is they themselves who are moving).

हरि बिषइक अस मोह बिहंगा। सपनेहुँ नहिं अग्यान प्रसंगा॥
माया बस मतिमंद अभागी। हृदयँ जमनिका बहुबिधि लागी॥4॥
hari biṣaika asa mōha bihaṃgā. sapanēhuom nahiṃ agyāna prasaṃgā..
māyābasa matimaṃda abhāgī. hṛdayaom jamanikā bahubidhi lāgī..

It is in this way, O king of the birds, that error is ascribed to Sri Hari; otherwise not even in a dream is He subject to delusion. Those dull-witted wretches who are dominated by Maya and who have many a veil hanging over their soul,

ते सठ हठ बस संसय करहीं। निज अग्यान राम पर धरहीं॥5॥
tē saṭha haṭha basa saṃsaya karahīṃ. nija agyāna rāma para dharahīṃ..

such fools alone raise doubts in their perversity and ascribe their own ignorance to Sri Rama.

दोहा | Dohas:
काम क्रोध मद लोभ रत गृहासक्त दुखरूप।
ते किमि जानहिं रघुपतिहि मूढ़ परे तम कूप॥ 73 क॥
kāma krōdha mada lōbha rata gṛhāsakta dukharūpa.
tē kimi jānahiṃ raghupatihi mūḍha parē tama kūpa..73ka..

Steeped in lust, anger, arrogance and greed and attached to their home, which is a picture of woe, how can such dullards know the Lord of the Raghus, fallen as they are in the depths of darkness (ignorance)?

निर्गुन रूप सुलभ अति सगुन जान नहिं कोई।
सुगम अगम नाना चरित सुनि मुनि मन भ्रम होई॥ 73 ख॥
nirguna rūpa sulabha ati saguna jāna nahiṃ kōi.
sugama agama nānā carita suni muni mana bhrama hōi..73kha..

The attributeless aspect of the Godhead is easy to understand; but no one can comprehend the embodied form (which is beyond all modes of Prakrti and divine in character). Even a sage’s soul is bewildered on hearing of the various exploits of the Lord, both of an intelligible and baffling character.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
सुनु खगेस रघुपति प्रभुताई। कहउँ जथामति कथा सुहाई।।
जेहि बिधि मोह भयउ प्रभु मोही। सोउ सब कथा सुनावउँ तोही॥1॥
sunu khagēsa raghupati prabhutāī. kahauom jathāmati kathā suhāī..
jēhi bidhi mōha bhayau prabhu mōhī. sōu saba kathā sunāvauom tōhī..

“Hear, O lord of the feathered kingdom, of the greatness of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus). I recite to you according to the best of my lights a delightful story in this connection. I shall also narrate to you the whole story as to how I fell a prey to delusion, my lord.

राम कृपा भाजन तुम्ह ताता। हरि गुन प्रीति मोहि सुखदाता॥
ताते नहिं कछु तुम्हहि दुरावउँ। परम रहस्य मनोहर गावउँ॥2॥
rāma kṛpā bhājana tumha tātā. hari guna prīti mōhi sukhadātā..
tātē nahiṃ kachu tumhahiṃ durāvauom. parama rahasya manōhara gāvauom..

You, dear Garuda, are a favourite of Sri Rama and fond of hearing Sri Hari’s praises and a source of delight to me. I am, therefore, concealing nothing from you and tell you a profound and charming secret.

सुनहु राम कर सहज सुभाऊ। जन अभिमान न राखहिं काऊ॥
संसृत मूल सूलप्रद नाना। सकल सोक दायक अभिमाना॥3॥
sunahu rāma kara sahaja subhāū. jana abhimāna na rākhahiṃ kāū..
saṃsṛta mūla sūlaprada nānā. sakala sōka dāyaka abhimānā..

Hear of Sri Rama’s innate disposition: He never tolerates pride in His people. For pride is the root of metempsychosis and the cause of all kinds of pain and every form of grief.

ताते करहिं कृपानिधि दूरी। सेवक पर ममता अति भूरी॥
जिमि सिसु तन ब्रन होई गोसाईं। मातु चिराव कठिन की नाईं॥4॥
tātē karahiṃ kṛpānidhi dūrī. sēvaka para mamatā ati bhūrī..
jimi sisu tana brana hōi gōsāī. mātu cirāva kaṭhina kī nāīṃ..

Hence the All-merciful gets rid of it in His extreme fondness for His servants, even as when a boil appears on the body of a child, my lord, the mother gets it opened like one having a stony heart.”

दोहा | Dohas:
जदपि प्रथम दुख पावइ रोवइ बाल अधीर।
ब्याधि नास हित जननी गनति न सो सिसु पीर॥ 74 क॥
jadapi prathama dukha pāvai rōvai bāla adhīra.
byādhi nāsa hita jananī ganati na sō sisu pīra..74ka..

Although at first (while the boil is being cut open) the child experiences pain and cries helplessly the mother minds not the child’s agony, in her anxiety to see the child cured.

तिमि रघुपति निज दास कर हरहिं मान हित लागि।
तुलसिदास ऐसे प्रभुहि कस न भजहु भ्रम त्यागि॥ 74 ख॥
timi raghupati nija dāsakara harahiṃ māna hita lāgi.
tulasidāsa aisē prabhuhi kasa na bhajahu bhrama tyāgi..74kha

Even so, in the interest of the devotee himself, the Lord of the Raghus takes away his pride. Forswearing all error, Tulasidasa, why should you not adore such a lord as this?

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
राम कृपा आपनि जड़ताई। कहउँ खगेस सुनहु मन लाई॥
जब जब राम मनुज तनु धरहीं। भक्त हेतु लीला बहु करहीं॥1॥
rāma kṛpā āpani jaḍatāī. kahauom khagēsa sunahu mana lāī..
jaba jaba rāma manuja tanu dharahīṃ. bhakta hētu līla bahu karahīṃ..

Now, O lord of the feathered kingdom, I tell you of Sri Rama’s benignity and my own opacity; listen attentively. Whenever Sri Rama appears in human semblance and enacts numberless sports for the sake of His devotees.

तब तब अवधपुरी मैं जाऊँ। बालचरित बिलोकि हरषाऊँ॥
जन्म महोत्सव देखउँ जाई। बरष पाँच तहँ रहउँ लोभाई॥2॥
taba taba avadhapurī maiṃ jaāūom. bālacarita bilōki haraṣāūom..
janma mahōtsava dēkhauom jāī. baraṣa pāomca tahaom rahauom lōbhāī..

I betake myself to the city of Ayodhya and delight to watch His childish exploits. I go and witness the grand festival of His birth and, fascinated (by the charm of His childish sports), stay on there for full five years.

इष्टदेव मम बालक रामा। सोभा बपुष कोटि सत कामा॥
निज प्रभु बदन निहारि निहारी। लोचन सुफल करउँ उरगारी॥3॥
iṣṭadēva mama bālaka rāmā. sōbhā bapuṣa kōṭi sata kāmā..
nija prabhu badana nihāri nihārī. lōcana suphala karauom uragārī..

The child Rama is my beloved deity, who sums up in His person the charm of countless Cupids. Ever gazing on the countenance of my lord, I allow my eyes to enjoy the fruit of their existence, O enemy of serpents.

लघु बायस बपु धरि हरि संगा। देखउँ बालचरित बहु रंगा॥4॥
laghu bāyasa bapu dhari hari saṃgā. dēkhauom bālacarita bahuraṃgā..

Assuming the form of a small crow and remaining in the company of Sri Hari I witness His childish exploits of all kinds.

दोहा | Dohas:
लरिकाईं जहँ जहँ फिरहिं तहँ तहँ संग उड़ाउँ।
जूठनि परइ अजिर महँ सो उठाई करि खाउँ॥ 75 क॥
larikāīṃ jahaom jahaom phirahiṃ tahaom tahaom saṃga uḍaāuom.
jūṭhani parai ajira mahaom sō uṭhāi kari khāuom..75ka..
“Wherever He moves about as a child I flutter about close to Him. And the crumbs that fall from His mouth in the courtyard I pick up and eat.

एक बार अतिसय सब चरित किए रघुबीर।
सुमिरत प्रभु लीला सोइ पुलकित भयउ सरीर॥ 75 ख॥
ēka bāra atisaya saba carita kiē raghubīra.
sumirata prabhu līlā sōi pulakita bhayau sarīra..75kha..

In one particular cycle the Hero of Raghu’s line performed all His exploits in an extreme degree.” The moment Kakabhusundi recalled those exploits every hair on his body stood erect.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
कहइ भसुंड सुनहु खगनायक। राम चरित सेवक सुखदायक॥
नृप मंदिर सुंदर सब भाँती। खचित कनक मनि नाना जाती॥1॥
kahai bhasuṃḍa sunahu khaganāyaka. rāmacarita sēvaka sukhadāyaka..
nṛpamaṃdira suṃdara saba bhāomtī. khacita kanaka mani nānā jātī..

Continued Bhusundi : “Listen, O chief of the birds; the story of Sri Rama is the delight of His servants. The king’s palace (at Ayodhya) was beautiful in everyway; it was all of gold studded with precious stones of various kinds.

बरनि न जाइ रुचिर अँगनाई। जहँ खेलहिं नित चारिउ भाई॥
बाल बिनोद करत रघुराई। बिचरत अजिर जननि सुखदाई॥2॥
barani na jāi rucira aomganāī. jahaom khēlahiṃ nita cāriu bhāī..
bālabinōda karata raghurāī. bicarata ajira janani sukhadāī..

The courtyard, where the four brothers played everyday, was magnificent beyond description. The Lord of the Raghus frolicked about in this yard carrying on childish pastimes that were the delight of His mother.

मरकत मृदुल कलेवर स्यामा। अंग अंग प्रति छबि बहु कामा॥
नव राजीव अरुन मृदु चरना। पदज रुचिर नख ससि दुति हरना॥3॥
marakata mṛdula kalēvara syāmā. aṃga aṃga prati chabi bahu kāmā..
nava rājīva aruna mṛdu caranā. padaja rucira nakha sasi duti haranā..

His tender frame was dark of hue with a greenish tinge resembling that of the emerald; every limb of it had the loveliness of numberless Cupids compressed into it. His feet were soft and ruddy like a young lotus, with bright toes and nails that outshone the brilliance of the moon.

ललित अंक कुलिसादिक चारी। नूपुर चारु मधुर रवकारी॥
चारु पुरट मनि रचित बनाई। कटि किंकिनि कल मुखर सुहाई॥4॥
lalita aṃka kulisādika cārī. nūpura cārū madhura ravakārī..
cāru puraṭa mani racita banāī. kaṭi kiṃkina kala mukhara suhāī..

They had soles bearing the fourfold lovely marks of the thunderbolt, the elephant-goad, the flag and the lotus, and were adorned with beautiful anklets that sweetly jingled. The charming zone about His waist, which was made of gold bossed with jewels produced a pleasant tinkling sound.

दोहा | Dohas:
रेखा त्रय सुंदर उदर नाभी रुचिर गँभीर।
उर आयत भ्राजत बिबिधि बाल बिभूषन चीर॥ 76॥
rēkhā traya sundara udara nābhī rucira gaombhīra.
ura āyata bhrājata bibidha bāla bibhūṣana cīra..76..

The belly contained three lovely folds with a charming deep navel. The broad chest gleamed with jewels and raiment of various kinds, all befitting a child.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
अरुन पानि नख करज मनोहर। बाहु बिसाल बिभूषन सुंदर॥
कंध बाल केहरि दर ग्रीवा। चारु चिबुक आनन छबि सींवा॥1॥
aruna pāni nakha karaja manōhara. bāhu bisāla bibhūṣana suṃdara..
kaṃdha bāla kēhari dara grīvā. cāru cibuka ānana chabi sīṃvā..

His roseate hands, nails and fingers were all captivating; His long arms were richly adorned. He had shoulders resembling those of a lion’s cub and a neck shaped like a conch, a lovely chin and a face which was the very perfection of beauty.

कलबल बचन अधर अरुनारे। दुइ दुइ दसन बिसद बर बारे॥
ललित कपोल मनोहर नासा। सकल सुखद ससि कर सम हासा॥2॥
kalabala bacana adhara arunārē. dui dui dasana bisada bara bārē..
lalita kapōla manōhara nāsā. sakala sukhada sasi kara sama hāsā..
His speech was yet indistinct, His lips rosy and His mouth contained a pair of small pearly and shapely teeth both above and below. He had lovely cheeks, a charming nose and a smile which afforded delight and was bright as the rays of the moon.

नील कंज लोचन भव मोचन। भ्राजत भाल तिलक गोरोचन॥
बिकट भृकुटि सम श्रवन सुहाए। कुंचित कच मेचक छबि छाए॥3॥
nīla kaṃja lōcana bhava mōcana. bhrājata bhāla tilaka gōrōcana..
bikaṭa bhṛkuṭi sama śravana suhāē. kuṃcita kaca mēcaka chabi chāē..
His eyes, which resembled a pair of blue lotuses, undid the bonds of worldly existence; while His forehead gleamed with a sacred mark made with yellow pigment. He had arched eyebrows, pretty well-matched ears and curly darkblue hair that scattered their charm all round.

पीत झीनि झगुली तन सोही। किलकनि चितवनि भावति मोही॥
रूप रासि नृप अजिर बिहारी। नाचहिं निज प्रतिबिंब निहारी॥4॥
pīta jhīni jhagulī tana sōhī. kilakani citavani bhāvati mōhī..
rūpa rāsi nṛpa ajira bihārī. nācahiṃ nija pratibiṃba nihārī..

A thin yellow garment set off His swarthy person, and His shrill gleeful cry and glance captivated me. Thus frolicking in the courtyard of the royal palace, the All-beautiful danced at the sight of His own shadow-

मोहि सन करहिं बिबिधि बिधि क्रीड़ा। बरनत मोहि होति अति ब्रीड़ा॥
किलकत मोहि धरन जब धावहिं। चलउँ भागि तब पूप देखावहिं॥5॥
mōhi sana karahīṃ bibidha bidhi krīḍaā. baranata mōhi hōti ati brīḍaā..
kilakata mōhi dharana jaba dhāvahiṃ. calauom bhāgi taba pūpa dēkhāvahiṃ..

and played with me in diverse ways, which I blush to tell you. Crying with joy as He ran to catch hold of me, I flew away; then He showed me a piece of sweet cake.

दोहा | Dohas:
आवत निकट हँसहिं प्रभु भाजत रुदन कराहिं।
जाऊँ समीप गहन पद फिरि फिरि चितइ पराहिं॥ 77 क॥
āvata nikaṭa haomsahiṃ prabhu bhājata rudana karāhiṃ.
jāuom samīpa gahana pada phiri phiri citai parāhiṃ..77ka..

As I went near Him the lord smiled; but the moment I flew away He fell acrying. And when I approached Him to lay hold of His feet He scampered off, turning round again and again to look at me.

प्राकृत सिसु इव लीला देखि भयउ मोहि मोह।
कवन चरित्र करत प्रभु चिदानंद संदोह॥ 77 ख॥
prākṛta sisu iva līlā dēkhi bhayau mōhi mōha.
kavana caritra karata prabhu cidānaṃda saṃdōha..77kha..
Seeing Him play like an ordinary child I was overcome by bewilderment : “What ! are these actions in anyway worthy of Him who is knowledge and bliss personified?”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
एतना मन आनत खगराया। रघुपति प्रेरित ब्यापी माया॥
सो माया न दुखद मोहि काहीं। आन जीव इव संसृत नाहीं॥1॥
ētanā mana ānata khagarāyā. raghupati prērita byāpī māyā..
sō māyā na dukhada mōhi kāhīṃ. āna jīva iva saṃsṛta nāhīṃ..

The moment I allowed this doubt to enter my mind, O king of the birds, Sri Rama’s Maya (delusive power) took possession of me as directed by the Lord of the Raghus. That Maya, however, did not prove to be a source of trouble to me, nor did it throw me into the whirlpool of birth and death as it does in the case of other creatures.

नाथ इहाँ कछु कारन आना। सुनहु सो सावधान हरिजाना॥
ग्यान अखंड एक सीताबर। माया बस्य जीव सचराचर॥2॥
nātha ihāom kachu kārana ānā. sunahu sō sāvadhāna harijānā..
gyāna akhaṃḍa ēka sītābara. māyā basya jīva sacarācara..

This, my lord, was attributable to some extraordinary reason. Hear it attentively, O mount of Sri Hari, Sita’s Spouse alone is absolute intelligence; every creature, whether animate or inanimate, is subject to Maya.

जौं सब कें रह ज्ञान एकरस। ईस्वर जीवहि भेद कहहु कस॥
माया बस्य जीव अभिमानी। ईस बस्य माया गुन खानी॥3॥
jauṃ saba kēṃ raha gyāna ēkarasa. īsvara jīvahi bhēda kahahu kasa..
māyā basya jīva abhimānī. īsa basya māyā gunakhānī..

If all had the same perfect wisdom, tell me, what would be the difference between God and the Jiva (the individual soul)? The latter, which identifies itself with a particular psycho-physical organism, is subject to Maya; while Maya itself, the source of the three Gunas, is controlled by God.

परबस जीव स्वबस भगवंता। जीव अनेक एक श्रीकंता॥
मुधा भेद जद्यपि कृत माया। बिनु हरि जाइ न कोटि उपाया॥4॥
parabasa jīva svabasa bhagavaṃtā. jīva anēka ēka śrīkaṃtā..
mudhā bhēda jadyapi kṛta māyā. binu hari jāi na kōṭi upāyā..
The Jiva is dependent (subject to Maya), while God is self-dependent. The Jivas are many, while the Beloved of Laksmi is one (without a second). Even though this difference, which has been created by Maya, is false, it cannot disappear except by Sri Hari’s grace, whatever you may do.

दोहा | Dohas:
रामचंद्र के भजन बिनु जो चह पद निर्बान।
ग्यानवंत अपि सो नर पसु बिनु पूँछ बिषान॥ 78 क॥
rāmacaṃdra kē bhajana binu jō caha pada nirbāna.
gyānavaṃta api sō nara pasu binu pūomcha biṣāna..78ka..

The man who seeks to attain the state of eternal bliss without adoring Sri Ramacandra is a beast without tail and horns, however wise he may be.

राकापति षोड़स उअहिं तारागन समुदाइ।
सकल गिरिन्ह दव लाइअ बिनु रबि राति न जाइ॥ 78 ख॥
rākāpati ṣōḍasa uahiṃ tārāgana samudāi..
sakala girinha dava lāia binu rabi rāti na jāi..78kha..

Even though the moon rose complete in all her sixteen digits with the entire starry host, and even if all the mountains were set on fire, night would not yield except to the sun.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
ऐसेहिं हरि बिनु भजन खगेसा। मिटइ न जीवन्ह केर कलेसा॥
हरि सेवकहि न ब्याप अबिद्या। प्रभु प्रेरित ब्यापइ तेहि बिद्या॥1॥
aisēhiṃ hari binu bhajana khagēsā. miṭai na jīvanha kēra kalēsā..
hari sēvakahi na byāpa abidyā. prabhu prērita byāpai tēhi bidyā..
In like manner, O lord of the feathered race mortals cannot be rid of their suffering without adoring Sri Hari. Avidya (Nescience) has no power over a servant of Sri Hari; it is Vidya (knowledge of Brahma in Its relative aspect) that holds away over him as directed by the Lord.

ताते नास न होइ दास कर। भेद भगति बाढ़इ बिहंगबर॥
भ्रम तें चकित राम मोहि देखा। बिहँसे सो सुनु चरित बिसेषा॥2॥
tātē nāsa na hōi dāsa kara. bhēda bhagati bhāḍhai bihaṃgabara..
bhrama tē cakita rāma mōhi dēkhā. bihaomsē sō sunu carita bisēṣā..

That is why a servant of the Lord never falls; on the other hand, O best of birds, his devotion to the Lord as apart from himself grows. Sri Rama smiled to see me bewildered with error : now hear further particulars in this connection.

तेहि कौतुक कर मरमु न काहूँ। जाना अनुज न मातु पिताहूँ॥
जानु पानि धाए मोहि धरना। स्यामल गात अरुन कर चरना॥3॥
tēhi kautuka kara maramu na kāhūom. jānā anuja na mātu pitāhūom..
jānu pāni dhāē mōhi dharanā. syāmala gāta aruna kara caranā..
The secret of this diversion nobody came to know, neither His younger brothers nor His parents. The Lord with a swarthy form and rosy hands and feet crawled on His hands and knees in order to catch me.

तब मैं भागि चलेउँ उरगारी। राम गहन कहँ भुजा पसारी॥
जिमि जिमि दूरि उड़ाउँ अकासा। तहँ भुज हरि देखउँ निज पासा॥4॥
taba maiṃ bhāgi calēuom uragāmī. rāma gahana kahaom bhujā pasārī..
jimi jimi dūri uḍaāuom akāsā. tahaom bhuja hari dēkhauom nija pāsā..

Thereupon, O enemy of serpents, I took to flight. Sri Rama stretched out His arm to lay hold on me. Away as I flew into the air I saw Sri Hari’s arm close to me everywhere.

दोहा | Dohas:
ब्रह्मलोक लगि गयउँ मैं चितयउँ पाछ उड़ात।
जुग अंगुल कर बीच सब राम भुजहि मोहि तात॥ 79 क॥
brahmalōka lagi gayauom maiṃ citayauom pācha uḍaāta.
juga aṃgula kara bīca saba rāma bhujahi mōhi tāta..79ka..

I flew up to Brahma’s abode; but when I looked back in my flight, two fingers’ breadth, dear Garuda, was all the distance between Sri Rama’s arm and myself.

सप्ताबरन भेद करि जहाँ लगें गति मोरि।
गयउँ तहाँ प्रभु भुज निरखि ब्याकुल भयउँ बहोरि॥ 79 ख॥
saptābarana bhēda kari jahāom lagēṃ gati mōri.
gayauom tahāom prabhu bhuja nirakhi byākula bhayauom bahōri..79kha..

Penetrating the seven folds of the universe (consisting of earth, water, fire, air, ether, the cosmic ego and the cosmic intellect) I mounted to the utmost height I could reach. But there too I saw the Lord’s arm; then I felt alarmed.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
मूदेउँ नयन त्रसित जब भयउँ। पुनि चितवत कोसलपुर गयऊँ॥
मोहि बिलोकि राम मुसुकाहीं। बिहँसत तुरत गयउँ मुख माहीं॥1॥
mūdēuom nayana trasita jaba bhayauom. puni citavata kōsalapura gayaūom..
mōhi bilōki rāma musukāhīṃ. bihaomsata turata gayauom mukha māhīṃ..

In my terror I closed my eyes; and when I opened them again I found myself at Kosalapura (Ayodhya). Sri Rama smiled to see me back; and even as He laughed I was instantly driven into His mouth (throat).

उदर माझ सुनु अंडज राया। देखउँ बहु ब्रह्मांड निकाया॥
अति बिचित्र तहँ लोक अनेका। रचना अधिक एक ते एका॥2॥
udara mājha sunu aṃḍaja rāyā. dēkhēuom bahu brahmāṃḍa nikāyā..
ati bicitra tahaom lōka anēkā. racanā adhika ēka tē ēkā..

Listen, king of the birds: inside His belly I beheld multitudinous universes with many strange spheres each more wonderful than the rest,

कोटिन्ह चतुरानन गौरीसा। अगनित उडगन रबि रजनीसा॥
अगनित लोकपाल जम काला। अगनित भूधर भूमि बिसाला॥3॥
kōṭinha caturānana gaurīsā. aganita uḍagana rabi rajanīsā..
aganita lōkapāla jama kālā. aganita bhūdhara bhūmi bisālā..

with myriads of Brahmas and Sivas, countless stars, suns and moons, numberless Lokapalas (guardians of spheres), Yamas (gods of punishment) and Kalas (gods of death), innumerable mountains and vast terrestrial globes,

सागर सरि सर बिपिन अपारा। नाना भाँति सृष्टि बिस्तारा॥।
सुर मुनि सिद्ध नाग नर किंनर। चारि प्रकार जीव सचराचर॥4॥
sāgara sari sara bipina apārā. nānā bhāomti sṛṣṭi bistārā..
sura muni siddha nāga nara kiṃnara. cāri prakāra jīva sacarācara..

oceans, rivers, lakes and forests without end and manifold other varieties of creation, with gods and sages, the Siddhas, Nagas, human beings and Kinnaras and the four classes of living beings, both moving and motionless.

दोहा | Dohas:
जो नहिं देखा नहिं सुना जो मनहूँ न समाइ।
सो सब अद्भुत देखेउँ बरनि कवनि बिधि जाइ॥80 क॥
jō nahiṃ dēkhā nahiṃ sunā jō manahūom na samāi.
sō saba adbhuta dēkhēuom barani kavani bidhi jāi..80ka..

I saw there all such marvels as I had never seen or heard of before and such as could not be conceived even by the mind; how, then, can I describe them?

एक एक ब्रह्मांड महुँ रहउँ बरष सत एक।
एहि बिधि देखत फिरउँ मैं अंड कटाह अनेक॥80 ख॥
ēka ēka brahmāṃḍa mahuom rahauom baraṣa sata ēka.
ēhi bidhi dēkhata phirauom maiṃ aṃḍa kaṭāha anēka..80kha..

I stayed a full hundred year in each of those universes and in this manner I went round and beheld multitudinous universes having the shape of an egg.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
लोक लोक प्रति भिन्न बिधाता। भिन्न बिष्नु सिव मनु दिसित्राता॥
नर गंधर्ब भूत बेताला। किंनर निसिचर पसु खग ब्याला॥1॥
lōka lōka prati bhinna bidhātā. bhinna biṣnu siva manu disitrātā..
nara gaṃdharba bhūta bētālā. kiṃnara nisicara pasu khaga byālā..
Each universe had its own Brahma (Creator), its own Visnu (Preserver), Siva (Destroyer), Manu (lord of creation presiding over a single Manvantara, consisting of a little more than 74 rounds of the four Yugas), regents of the quarters, human beings, Gandharvas (celestial musicians), spectres and goblins, Kinnaras (another class of heavenly musicians having a human figure with the head of a horse), Raksasas (giants), quadrupeds, birds, serpents,

देव दनुज गन नाना जाती। सकल जीव तहँ आनहि भाँती॥
महि सरि सागर सर गिरि नाना। सब प्रपंच तहँ आनइ आना॥2॥
dēva danuja gana nānā jātī. sakala jīva tahaom ānahi bhāomtī..
mahi sari sāgara sara giri nānā. saba prapaṃca tahaom ānai ānā..

gods and demons of all classes, all the creatures having a shape peculiar to that universe. The earth with its multitudinous rivers, oceans, lakes and mountains, nay, the entire creation in each universe had a distinctive character.

अंडकोस प्रति प्रति निज रूपा। दाखेउँ जिनस अनेक अनूपा॥
अवधपुरी प्रति भुवन निनारी। सरजू भिन्न भिन्न नर नारी॥3॥
aṃḍakōsa prati prati nija rupā. dēkhēuom jinasa anēka anūpā..
avadhapurī prati bhuvana ninārī. sarajū bhinna bhinna nara nārī..
In all these universes I found myself possessed of manifold incomparable forms. Each universe had its own Ayodhya with its own Sarayμu and its own men and women.

दसरथ कौसल्या सुनु ताता। बिबिध रूप भरतादिक भ्राता॥
प्रति ब्रह्मांड राम अवतारा। देखउँ बालबिनोद अपारा॥4॥
dasaratha kausalyā sunu tātā. bibidha rūpa bharatādika bhrātā..
prati brahmāṃḍa rāma avatārā. dēkhauom bālabinōda apārā..

And listen, dear Garuda : Sri Rama’s parents-Dasaratha and Kausalya-as well as Sri Rama’s brothers, Bharata and others, were all different in each universe. In each such universe I witnessed the descent of Sri Rama as well as the infinite variety of His childish sports.

दोहा | Dohas:
भिन्न भिन्न मैं दीख सबु अति बिचित्र हरिजान।
अगनित भुवन फिरेउँ प्रभु राम न देखेउँ आन॥81 क॥
bhinna bhinna mai dīkha sabu ati bicitra harijāna.
aganita bhuvana phirēuom prabhu rāma na dēkhēuom āna..81ka..
Everything I saw had a distinctive stamp of its own universe and was exceedingly wonderful too, O mount of Sri Hari. But in my round of the innumerable universes I saw no other Rama, my lord.

सोइ सिसुपन सोइ सोभा सोइ कृपाल रघुबीर।
भुवन भुवन देखत फिरउँ प्रेरित मोह समीर॥81 ख॥
sōi sisupana sōi sōbhā sōi kṛpāla raghubīra.
bhuvana bhuvana dēkhata phirauom prērita mōha samīra..81kha
Tossed by the blast of infatuation I saw, in each successive world that I visited, the same child-like ways, the same beauty, the same gracious Rama (Hero of Raghu’s line).

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
भ्रमत मोहि ब्रह्मांड अनेका। बीते मनहुँ कल्प सत एका॥
फिरत फिरत निज आश्रम आयउँ। तहँ पुनि रहि कछु काल गवाँयउँ॥1॥
bhramata mōhi brahmāṃḍa anēkā. bītē manahuom kalpa sata ēkā..
phirata phirata nija āśrama āyauom. tahaom puni rahi kachu kāla gavāomyauom..

It seemed as if a hundred cycles had been spent in my wanderings through the many universes. At last after all my travels I came to my own hermitage and stayed there for sometime.

निज प्रभु जन्म अवध सुनि पायउँ। निर्भर प्रेम हरषि उठि धायउँ॥
देखउँ जन्म महोत्सव जाई। जेहि बिधि प्रथम कहा मैं गाई॥2॥
nija prabhu janma avadha suni pāyauom. nirbhara prēma haraṣi uṭhi dhāyauom..
dēkhauom janma mahōtsava jāī. jēhi bidhi prathama kahā maiṃ gāī..
Meanwhile as I happened to hear of my lord’s birth at Ayodhya I started up and ran in an overwhelming ecstasy of love and went and witnessed the grand festival of His birth as I have already told you at length.

राम उदर देखेउँ जग नाना। देखत बनइ न जाइ बखाना॥
तहँ पुनि देखेउँ राम सुजाना। माया पति कृपाल भगवाना॥3॥
rāma udara dēkhēuom jaga nānā. dēkhata banai na jāi bakhānā..
tahaom puni dēkhēuom rāma sujānā. māyā pati kṛpāla bhagavānā..
(It need hardly be said that all this happened inside the belly of my lord.) Thus in the belly of Sri Rama I beheld a number of universes. But what I saw could only be seen with one’s eyes: it was beyond all telling.

करउँ बिचार बहोरि बहोरी। मोह कलिल ब्यापित मति मोरी॥
उभय घरी महँ मैं सब देखा। भयउँ भ्रमित मन मोह बिसेषा॥4॥
karauom bicāra bahōri bahōrī. mōha kalila byāpita mati mōrī..
ubhaya gharī mahaom maiṃ saba dēkhā. bhayauom bhramita mana mōha bisēṣā..

There again I beheld the divine Sri Rama, the gracious and all-wise Lord of Maya. I pondered again and again. But my understanding was obscured by the mists of delusion. In less than an hour I had seen everything. My soul being utterly bewildered, I was lost in a maze.

दोहा | Dohas:
देखि कृपाल बिकल मोहि बिहँसे तब रघुबीर।
बिहँसतहीं मुख बाहेर आयउँ सुनु मतिधीर॥82 क॥
dēkhi kṛpāla bikala mōhi bihaomsē taba raghubīra.
bihaomsatahīṃ mukha bāhēra āyauom sunu matidhīra..82ka..

Seeing my distress the gracious Hero of Raghu’s line laughed; and mark me, O Garuda of resolute mind; the moment He laughed I came out of His mouth.

सोइ लरिकाई मो सन करन लगे पुनि राम।
कोटि भाँति समुझावउँ मनु न लहइ बिश्राम॥82 ख॥
sōi larikāī mō sana karana lagē puni rāma.
kōṭi bhāomti samujhāvauom manu na lahai biśrāma..82kha..

Sri Rama again began the same childish pranks with me. I reasoned with myself in everyway I could; but my mind knew no peace.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
देखि चरित यह सो प्रभुताई। समुझत देह दसा बिसराई॥
धरनि परेउँ मुख आव न बाता। त्राहि त्राहि आरत जन त्राता॥1॥
dēkhi carita yaha sō prabhutāī. samujhata dēha dasā bisarāī..
dharani parēuom mukha āva na bātā. trāhi trāhi ārata jana trātā..

Seeing this childish play and recalling that glory (which I had seen inside the Lord’s belly) I lost consciousness of my body, and crying : “Save me, save me, O Protector of the devotees in distress !” dropped to the ground.

प्रेमाकुल प्रभु मोहि बिलोकी। निज माया प्रभुता तब रोकी॥
कर सरोज प्रभु मम सिर धरेऊ। दीनदयाल सकल दुख हरेऊ॥2॥
prēmākula prabhu mōhi bilōkī. nija māyā prabhutā taba rōkī..
kara sarōja prabhu mama sira dharēū. dīnadayāla sakala dukha harēū..
No other word came to my mouth. When the Lord saw me overpowered with love, He immediately checked the power of His Maya. The Lord, who is so merciful to the afflicted, placed His lotus hand on my head and relieved me of all sorrow.

कीन्ह राम मोहि बिगत बिमोहा। सेवक सुखद कृपा संदोहा॥
प्रभुता प्रथम बिचारि बिचारी। मन महँ होइ हरष अति भारी॥3॥
kīnha rāma mōhi bigata bimōhā. sēvaka sukhada kṛpā saṃdōhā..
prabhutā prathama bicāri bicārī. mana mahaom hōi haraṣa ati bhārī..

The gracious Sri Rama, the delight of His servants, rid me of my deep-rooted error. As I reflected on His former glory my mind was flooded with joy.

भगत बछलता प्रभु कै देखी। उपजी मम उर प्रीति बिसेषी॥
सजल नयन पुलकित कर जोरी। कीन्हिउँ बहु बिधि बिनय बहोरी॥4॥
bhagata bachalatā prabhu kai dēkhī. upajī mama ura prīti bisēṣī..
sajala nayana pulakita kara jōrī. kīnhiuom bahu bidhi binaya bahōrī..

Seeing the Lord’s loving kindness to His devotees my heart began to throb with profuse love. With eyes full of tears and joined palms and every hair on my body standing erect, I then made supplication to Him in many ways.

दोहा | Dohas:
सुनि सप्रेम मम बानी देखि दीन निज दास।
बचन सुखद गंभीर मृदु बोले रमानिवास॥83 क॥
suni saprēma mama bānī dēkhi dīna nija dāsa.
bacana sukhada gaṃbhīra mṛdu bōlē ramānivāsa..83ka..

Hearing my loving words and seeing the wretched plight of His servants, Sri Rama (the Abode of Laksmi) spoke in words which were not only soft and pleasing but profound at the same time;

काकभसुंडि मागु बर अति प्रसन्न मोहि जानि।
अनिमादिक सिधि अपर रिधि मोच्छ सकल सुख खानि॥83 ख॥
kākabhasuṃḍi māgu bara ati prasanna mōhi jāni.
animādika sidhi apara ridhi mōccha sakala sukha khāni..83kha..

“Kakabhusundi ! ask of Me a boon, knowing Me to be highly pleased with you. Be it mystic powers such as Anima (the power of assuming a form as small as an atom), fabulous wealth (such as that possessed by Kubera, the god of riches) and final beatitude, which is the fountain of all joy”:-

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
ग्यान बिबेक बिरति बिग्याना। मुनि दुर्लभ गुन जे जग नाना॥
आजु देउँ सब संसय नाहीं। मागु जो तोहि भाव मन माहीं॥1॥
gyāna bibēka birati bigyānā. muni durlabha guna jē jaga nānā..
āju dēuom saba saṃsaya nāhīṃ. māgu jō tōhi bhāva mana māhīṃ..

-Or spiritual wisdom, critical judgment, dispassion, realization and numerous other virtues which cannot be easily attained in this world even by the sages-today I am prepared to give you all undoubtedly; therefore, ask whatever pleases your mind.

सुनि प्रभु बचन अधिक अनुरागेउँ। मन अनुमान करन तब लागेउँ॥
प्रभु कह देन सकल सुख सही। भगति आपनी देन न कही॥2॥
suni prabhu bacana adhika anurāgēuom. mana anumāna karana taba lāgēūom..
prabhu kaha dēna sakala sukha sahī. bhagati āpanī dēna na kahī..

On hearing the words of the Lord I was overwhelmed with love and began to reason thus within myself : “The Lord, it is true, has promised to give me all kinds of blessings; but He did not offer to grant me devotion to His own feet.

भगति हीन गुन सब सुख ऐसे। लवन बिना बहु बिंजन जैसे॥
भजन हीन सुख कवने काजा। अस बिचारि बोलेउँ खगराजा॥3॥
bhagati hīna guna saba sukha aisē. lavana binā bahu biṃjana jaisē..
bhajana hīna sukha kavanē kājā. asa bicāri bōlēuom khagarājā..

Without such devotion all sorts of virtues and blessings are like so many auxiliary dishes without salt. Of what avail is any blessing without adoration.” Pondering thus, O king of the birds, I replied as follows :

जौं प्रभु होइ प्रसन्न बर देहू। मो पर करहु कृपा अरु नेहू॥
मन भावत बर मागउँ स्वामी। तुम्ह उदार उर अंतरजामी॥4॥
jauṃ prabhu hōi prasanna bara dēhū. mō para karahu kṛpā aru nēhū..
mana bhāvata bara māgauom svāmī. tumha udāra ura aṃtarajāmī..

“If it is Your pleasure, my lord, to grant me a boon and if You are kind and affectionate to me, I ask my cherished boon, O master; for You are generous and know the secrets of all hearts.”

दोहा | Dohas:
अबिरल भगति बिसुद्ध तव श्रुति पुरान जो गाव।
जेहि खोजत जोगीस मुनि प्रभु प्रसाद कोउ पाव॥84 क॥
abirala bhagati bisudhda tava śruti purāna jō gāva.
jēhi khōjata jōgīsa muni prabhu prasāda kōu pāva..84ka..

Your uninterrupted and unalloyed devotion, which the Vedas and Puranas extol, which is sought after by Sages and great Yogis (contemplative mystics) but attained by few and that too by the Lord’s grace.”-

भगत कल्पतरू प्रनत हित कृपा सिंधु सुखधाम।
सोइ निज भगति मोहि प्रभु देहु दया करि राम॥84 ख॥
bhagata kalpataru pranata hita kṛpā siṃdhu sukha dhāma.
sōi nija bhagati mōhi prabhu dēhu dayā kari rāma..84kha..

-“O my lord, Sri Rama, tree of paradise to the devotee, friend of the suppliant, ocean of compassion and abode of bliss, in Your mercy grant me that devotion

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
एवमस्तु कहि रघुकुलनायक। बोले बचन परम सुखदायक॥
सुनु बायस तैं सहज सयाना। काहे न मागसि अस बरदाना॥1॥
ēvamastu kahi raghukulanāyaka. bōlē bacana parama sukhadāyaka..
sunu bāyasa taiṃ sahaja sayānā. kāhē na māgasi asa baradānā..

“So be it !” said the Chief of Raghu’s line, and continued in these most pleasing terms : “Listen, Kakabhusundi : you are sagacious by nature; no wonder, therefore, that you ask this boon.

सब सुख खानि भगति तैं मागी। नहिं जग कोउ तोहि सम बड़भागी॥
जो मुनि कोटि जतन नहिं लहहीं। जे जप जोग अनल तन दहहीं॥2॥
saba sukha khāni bhagati taiṃ māgī. nahiṃ jaga kōu tōhi sama baḍabhāgī..
jō muni kōṭi jatana nahiṃ lahahīṃ. jē japa jōga anala tana dahahīṃ..

No one in this world is so highly blessed as you, since you have sought the gift of Devotion, which is the fountain of all blessings and which even sages cannot attain in spite of all their efforts, even though they consume their body in the fire of prayer and meditation.

रीझेउँ देखि तोरि चतुराई। मागेहु भगति मोहि अति भाई॥
सुनु बिहंग प्रसाद अब मोरें। सब सुभ गुन बसिहहिं उर तोरें॥3॥
rījhēuom dēkhi tōri caturāī. māgēhu bhagati mōhi ati bhāī..
sunu bihaṃga prasāda aba mōrēṃ. saba subha guna basihahiṃ ura tōrēṃ..

I am pleased to see your sagacity in that you have sought Devotion, which is extremely dear to My heart. Listen, O bird : by My grace now all good qualities shall abide in your heart.

भगति ग्यान बिग्यान बिरागा। जोग चरित्र रहस्य बिभागा॥
जानब तैं सबही कर भेदा। मम प्रसाद नहिं साधन खेदा॥4॥
bhagati gyāna bigyāna birāgā. jōga caritra rahasya bibhāgā..
jānaba taiṃ sabahī kara bhēdā. mama prasāda nahiṃ sādhana khēdā..

Devotion, spiritual wisdom, Realization, dispassion, Yoga, My exploits as well as their secrets and classification-by My grace you shall obtain insight into all these and shall not be required to undergo the rigours of Sadhana (self-discipline).

दोहा | Dohas:
माया संभव भ्रम सब अब न ब्यापिहहिं तोहि।
जानेसु ब्रह्म अनादि अज अगुन गुनाकर मोहि॥85 क॥
māyā saṃbhava bhrama saba aba na byāpihahiṃ tōhi.
jānēsu brahma anādi aja aguna gunākara mōhi..85ka..

“None of the errors that arise from Maya shall cloud your mind any more. Henceforth know Me to be the same as Brahma, who is without beginning, birthless, devoid of attributes (the products of Maya) and yet a mine of (transcendent divine) virtues.

मोहि भगत प्रिय संतत अस बिचारि सुनु काग।
कायँ बचन मन मम पद करेसु अचल अनुराग॥85 ख॥
mōhi bhagata priya saṃtata asa bicāri sunu kāga.
kāyaom bacana mana mama pada karēsu acala anurāga..85kha..

Listen, Kakabhusundi : devotees are always dear to Me. Realizing this, cherish unflinching devotion to My feet in thought, word and deed.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
अब सुनु परम बिमल मम बानी। सत्य सुगम निगमादि बखानी॥
निज सिद्धांत सुनावउँ तोही। सुनु मन धरु सब तजि भजु मोही॥1॥
aba sunu parama bimala mama bānī. satya sugama nigamādi bakhānī..
nija siddhāṃta sunāvauom tōhī. sunu mana dharu saba taji bhaju mōhī..

“Now listen to My most sacred teaching, which is not only true and easily intelligible but has also been echoed by the Vedas and other scriptures. I give you to hear My own conclusion; listen to it and imprint it on your mind; and forswearing everything else, worship Me.

बमम माया संभव संसारा। जीव चराचर बिबिधि प्रकारा॥
सब मम प्रिय सब मम उपजाए। सब ते अधिक मनुज मोहि भाए॥2॥
mama māyā saṃbhava saṃsārā. jīva carācara bibidhi prakārā..
saba mama priya saba mama upajāē. saba tē adhika manuja mōhi bhāē..

This world with all its varieties of life, both moving and motionless, is a creation of my Maya (delusive potency). I love them all, because all are My creatures. But human beings are the dearest to Me of all.

तिन्ह महँ द्विज द्विज महँ श्रुतिधारी। तिन्ह महुँ निगम धरम अनुसारी॥
तिन्ह महँ प्रिय बिरक्त पुनि ग्यानी। ग्यानिहु ते अति प्रिय बिग्यानी॥3॥
tinha mahaom dvija dvija mahaom śrutidhārī. tinha mahuom nigama dharama anusārī..
tinha mahaom priya birakta puni gyānī. gyānihu tē ati priya bigyānī..

Of human beings, the Brahmanas; of the Brahmanas, those well-versed in the Vedas; of these, again, those that follow the course of conduct prescribed in the Vedas; of these latter, those who are averse to the pleasure of sense are dear to Me, and yet more the wise; of the wise too I love a man of realization all the more;

तिन्ह ते पुनि मोहि प्रिय निज दासा। जेहि गति मोरि न दूसरि आसा॥
पुनि पुनि सत्य कहउँ तोहि पाहीं। मोहि सेवक सम प्रिय कोउ नाहीं॥4॥
tinha tē puni mōhi priya nija dāsā. jēhi gati mōri na dūsari āsā..
puni puni satya kahauom tōhi pāhīṃ. mōhi sēvaka sama priya kōu nāhīṃ..

more beloved to Me even than these is my own servant (devotee), who solely depends on Me and has no other hope. Again and again I repeat to you the truth that no one is so dear to Me as My devotee.

भगति हीन बिरंचि किन होई। सब जीवहु सम प्रिय मोहि सोई॥
भगतिवंत अति नीचउ प्रानी। मोहि प्रानप्रिय असि मम बानी॥5॥
bhagati hīna biraṃci kina hōī. saba jīvahu sama priya mōhi sōī..
bhagativaṃta ati nīcau prānī. mōhi prānapriya asi mama bānī..

If Viranci (the Creator) too had no devotion to Me, he would be only as dear to Me as all the other creatures. And the humblest creature that breathes, if possessed of Devotion, is dear to Me as life : such is My nature.”

दोहा | Dohas:
सुचि सुसील सेवक सुमति प्रिय कहु काहि न लाग।
श्रुति पुरान कह नीति असि सावधान सुनु काग॥86॥
suci susīla sēvaka sumati priya kahu kāhi na lāga.
śruti purāna kaha nīti asi sāvadhāna sunu kāga..86..

“Tell Me, who would not love a faithful, amiable and sagacious servant? Listen attentively, O Kakabhusundi : the Vedas and Puranas declare this to be a sound principle:-“

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
एक पिता के बिपुल कुमारा। होहिं पृथक गुन सील अचारा॥
कोउ पंडित कोउ तापस ग्याता। कोउ धनवंत सूर कोउ दाता॥1॥
ēka pitā kē bipula kumārā. hōhiṃ pṛthaka guna sīla acārā..
kōu paṃḍiṃta kōu tāpasa gyātā. kōu dhanavaṃta sūra kōu dātā..

“A father has a number of sons, each differing from the others in character, temper and conduct. One is learned, another given to austerities, a third spiritually enlightened, a fourth rich, a fifth possessed of valour, a sixth charitably disposed,

कोउ सर्बग्य धर्मरत कोई। सब पर पितहि प्रीति सम होई॥
कोउ पितु भगत बचन मन कर्मा। सपनेहुँ जान न दूसर धर्मा॥2॥
kōu sarbagya dharmarata kōī. saba para pitahi prīti sama hōī..
kōu pitu bhagata bacana mana karmā. sapanēhuom jāna na dūsara dharmā..

a seventh all-wise and an eighth intent on piety; but the father equally loves all. A ninth son is devoted to his father in thought, word and deed and never dreams of any other duty.

सो सुत प्रिय पितु प्रान समाना। जद्यपि सो सब भाँति अयाना॥
एहि बिधि जीव चराचर जेते। त्रिजग देव नर असुर समेते॥3॥
sō suta priya pitu prāna samānā. jadyapi sō saba bhāomti ayānā..
ēhi bidhi jīva carācara jētē. trijaga dēva nara asura samētē..

This is the son whom the father loves as his own life, though he be a perfect ignoramus. In a like manner all animate and inanimate beings, including the subhuman species, gods, men and demons-in short,

अखिल बिस्व यह मोर उपाया। सब पर मोहि बराबरि दाया॥
तिन्ह महँ जो परिहरि मद माया। भजै मोहि मन बच अरु काया॥4॥
akhila bisva yaha mōra upāyā. saba para mōhi barābari dāyā..
tinha mahaom jō parihari mada māyā. bhajai mōhi mana baca arū kāyā..

the whole of this universe is My creation and I am equally compassionate to all. Of these, however, he who adores Me in thought, word and deed, forswearing arrogance and wiles-“

दोहा | Dohas:
पुरुष नपुंसक नारि वा जीव चराचर कोइ।
सर्ब भाव भज कपट तजि मोहि परम प्रिय सोइ॥87 क॥
purūṣa napuṃsaka nāri vā jīva carācara kōi.
sarba bhāva bhaja kapaṭa taji mōhi parama priya sōi..87ka..

“Be it man, woman or one lacking the characteristics of both, or, for the matter of that, any living being whatsoever of the animate or inanimate world-he who adores Me with all his being, giving up all guile, is supremely dear to Me.

सोरठा | Sorthas:
सत्य कहउँ खग तोहि सुचि सेवक मम प्रानप्रिय।
अस बिचारि भजु मोहि परिहरि आस भरोस सब॥87 ख॥
satya kahauom khaga tōhi suci sēvaka mama prānapriya.
asa bicāri bhaju mōhi parihari āsa bharōsa saba..87kha..
O bird, I tell you in all sincerity that a guileless servant is dear to Me as life. Realizing this worship Me, abandoning all other hope and reliance.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
कबहूँ काल न ब्यापिहि तोही। सुमिरेसु भजेसु निरंतर मोही॥
प्रभु बचनामृत सुनि न अघाऊँ। तनु पुलकित मन अति हरषाऊँ॥1॥
kabahūom kāla na byāpihi tōhī. sumirēsu bhajēsu niraṃtara mōhī..
prabhu bacanāmṛta suni na aghāūom. tanu pulakita mana ati haraṣāūom..

“Time shall have no power over you. Remember and adore Me unceasingly.” I did not feel sated with hearing the nectar-like words of the Lord; the hair on my body stood erect and I felt extremely delighted at heart.

सो सुख जानइ मन अरु काना। नहिं रसना पहिं जाइ बखाना॥
प्रभु सोभा सुख जानहिं नयना। कहि किम सकहिं तिन्हहि नहिं बयना॥2॥
sō sukha jānai mana aru kānā. nahiṃ rasanā pahiṃ jāi bakhānā..
prabhu sōbhā sukha jānahiṃ nayanā. kahi kimi sakahiṃ tinhahi nahiṃ bayanā..

The joy I felt on the occasion was shared only by the mind and the ears (the auditory sense); the tongue had no power to tell it. The eyes alone had the blissful experience of beholding the Lord’s beauty; but how could they describe it, devoid of speech as they are?

बहु बिधि मोहि प्रबोधि सुख देई। लगे करन सिसु कौतुक तेई॥
सजल नयन कछु मुख करि रूखा। चितई मातु लागी अति भूखा॥3॥
bahu bidhi mōhi prabōdhi sukha dēī. lagē karana sisu kautuka tēī..
sajala nayana kachu mukha kari rūkhā. citai mātu lāgī ati bhūkhā..

After He had gladdened me by His manifold exhortations in this way He again began to sport like a child as before. With tears in His eyes and His looks somewhat gloomy He looked at His mother (Kausalya) as if He were hungry.

देखि मातु आतुर उठि धाई। कहि मृदु बचन लिए उर लाई॥
गोद राखि कराव पय पाना। रघुपति चरित ललित कर गाना॥4॥
dēkhi mātu ātura uṭhi dhāī. kahi mṛdu bacana liē ura lāī..
gōda rākhi karāva paya pānā. raghupati carita lalita kara gānā..

Seeing this the mother started up in haste and ran; and addressing Him in soft words clasped Him to her bosom. Then, laying Him in her lap she began to suckle Him, singing the while of Sri Rama’s charming exploits.

सोरठा | Sorthas:
जेहि सुख लाग पुरारि असुभ बेष कृत सिव सुखद।
अवधपुरी नर नारि तेहि सुख महुँ संतत मगन॥88 क॥
jēhi sukha lāgi purāri asubha bēṣa kṛta siva sukhada.
avadhapurī nara nāri tēhi sukha mahuom saṃtata magana..88ka..

The men and women of Ayodhya remained ever absorbed in that (transcendental) joy, to attain which the blessed Lord Siva, the delighter of all, assumed His unsightly garb (such as a garland of human skulls, serpents for His ornaments, ashes for scented cosmetics and a tiger-skin for a loin-cloth).

सोई सुख लवलेस जिन्ह बारक सपनेहुँ लहेउ।
ते नहिं गनहिं खगेस ब्रह्मसुखहि सज्जन सुमति॥88 ख॥
sōi sukha lavalēsa jinha bāraka sapanēhuom lahēu.
tē nahiṃ ganahiṃ khagēsa brahmasukhahi sajjana sumati..88kha..

Those wise and virtuous souls who have tasted of that joy only once even in a dream think nothing of the joy of absorption into Brahma (much less of any other earthly or heavenly joy).

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
मैं पुनि अवध रहेउँ कछु काला। देखेउँ बालबिनोद रसाला॥
राम प्रसाद भगति बर पायउँ। प्रभु पद बंदि निजाश्रम आयउँ॥1॥
maiṃ puni avadha rahēuom kachu kālā. dēkhēuom bālabinōda rasālā..
rāma prasāda bhagati bara pāyauom. prabhu pada baṃdi nijāśrama āyauom..

After this I stayed a while at Ayodhya and enjoyed the Lord’s delightful childish sports. Having by Sri Rama’s grace obtained the boon of Devotion I adored my Lord’s feet and returned to my own hermitage.

तब ते मोहि न ब्यापी माया। जब ते रघुनायक अपनाया॥
यह सब गुप्त चरित मैं गावा। हरि मायाँ जिमि मोहि नचावा॥2॥
taba tē mōhi na byāpī māyā. jaba tē raghunāyaka apanāyā..
yaha saba gupta carita maiṃ gāvā. hari māyāom jimi mōhi nacāvā..

Ever since the Lord accepted me as his own I have never fallen a victim to delusion. I have told you at length all this strange story of how Sri Hari’s Maya made a puppet of me. Now I tell you my own realization,

निज अनुभव अब कहउँ खगेसा। बिनु हरि भजन न जाहिं कलेसा॥
राम कृपा बिनु सुनु खगराई। जानि न जाइ राम प्रभुताई॥3॥
nija anubhava aba kahauom khagēsā. binu hari bhajana na jāhi kalēsā..
rāma kṛpā binu sunu khagarāī. jāni na jāi rāma prabhutāī..

O lord of the winged creatures : unless we adore Sri Hari our troubles will not end. Listen, king of the birds : without Sri Rama’s grace it is not possible to know the Lord’s greatness.

जानें बिनु न होइ परतीती। बिनु परतीति होइ नहिं प्रीती॥
प्रीति बिना नहिं भगति दिढ़ाई। जिमि खगपति जल कै चिकनाई॥4॥
jānēṃ binu na hōi paratītī. binu paratīti hōi nahiṃ prītī..
prīti binā nahiṃ bhagati diḍhaāī. jimi khagapati jala kai cikanāī..

Without knowledge faith is out of the question; and without faith there can be no love. Shorn of love, devotion will not abide any more than the lubricity produced by water.

सोरठा | Sorthas:
बिनु गुर होइ कि ग्यान ग्यान कि होइ बिराग बिनु।
गावहिं बेद पुरान सुख कि लहिअ हरि भगति बिनु॥89 क॥
binu gura hōi ki gyāna gyāna ki hōi birāga binu.
gāvahiṃ bēda purāna sukha ki lahia hari bhagati binu..89ka..

Is spiritual illumination possible without a preceptor ? Or, again, is it possible to acquire wisdom without dispassion? Or, as the Vedas and Puranas declare, can one attain happiness without devotion to Sri Hari?

कोउ बिश्राम कि पाव तात सहज संतोष बिनु।
चलै कि जल बिनु नाव कोटि जतन पचि पचि मरिअ॥89 ख॥
kōu biśrāma ki pāva tāta sahaja saṃtōṣa binu.
calai ki jala binu nāva kōṭi jatana paci paci maria..89kha..
Again, dear Garuda, can one find peace without innate content? Can a boat ever float without water even though you strain every nerve till your last breath?

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
बिनु संतोष न काम नसाहीं। काम अछत सुख सपनेहुँ नाहीं॥
राम भजन बिनु मिटहिं कि कामा। थल बिहीन तरु कबहुँ कि जामा॥1॥
binu saṃtōṣa na kāma nasāhīṃ. kāma achata sukha sapanēhuom nāhīṃ..
rāma bhajana binu miṭahiṃ ki kāmā. thala bihīna taru kabahuom ki jāmā..

Without content desire cannot cease; and so long as desire continues you can never dream of happiness. Again, can desire be got rid of without adoring Sri Rama? Can a tree ever take root without soil?

बिनु बिग्यान कि समता आवइ। कोउ अवकास कि नभ बिनु पावइ॥
श्रद्धा बिना धर्म नहिं होई। बिनु महि गंध कि पावइ कोई॥2॥
binu bigyāna ki samatā āvai. kōu avakāsa ki nabha binu pāvai..
śraddhā binā dharma nahiṃ hōī. binu mahi gaṃdha ki pāvai kōī..

Can even-mindedness be acquired without spiritual enlightenment? Can anyone get moving space without ether? There can be no piety without faith. Can anyone get odour except from the earth

बिनु तप तेज कि कर बिस्तारा। जल बिनु रस कि होइ संसारा॥
सील कि मिल बिनु बुध सेवकाई। जिमि बिनु तेज न रूप गोसाँई॥3॥
binu tapa tēja ki kara bistārā. jala binu rasa ki hōi saṃsārā..
sīla ki mila binu budha sēvakāī. jimi binu tēja na rūpa gōsāī..
and spread one’s glory except through austere penance? Can there be any taste in this world without water? Can virtue be acquired without waiting upon the wise, any more than colour can exist without the element of fire, my master?

निज सुख बिनु मन होइ कि थीरा। परस कि होइ बिहीन समीरा॥
कवनिउ सिद्धि कि बिनु बिस्वासा। बिनु हरि भजन न भव भय नासा॥4॥
nija sukha binu mana hōi ki thīrā. parasa ki hōi bihīna samīrā..
kavaniu siddhi ki binu bisvāsā. binu hari bhajana na bhava bhaya nāsā..

Can the mind be at rest without experiencing the joy inherent in one’s own self? Can there be any sensation of touch without air, and any success without faith? In a like manner the fear of rebirth can never cease except through worship of Sri Hari.

दोहा | Dohas:
बिनु बिस्वास भगति नहिं तेहि बिनु द्रवहिं न रामु।
राम कृपा बिनु सपनेहुँ जीव न लह बिश्रामु॥90 क॥
binu bisvāsa bhagati nahiṃ tēhi binu dravahiṃ na rāmu.
rāma kṛpā binu sapanēhuom jīva na laha biśrāmu..90ka..

Without faith there can be no Devotion and Sri Rama never melts except through Devotion; and without Sri Rama’s grace the human soul can never attain peace even in a dream.

सोरठा | Sorthas:
अस बिचारि मतिधीर तजि कुतर्क संसय सकल।
भजहु राम रघुबीर करुनाकर सुंदर सुखद॥90 ख॥
asa bicāri matidhīra taji kutarka saṃsaya sakala.
bhajahu rāma raghubīra karunākara suṃdara sukhada..90kha..

Pondering thus, O Garuda of resolute mind, abandon all cavilling and scepticism and adore the all beautiful Sri Rama, the Hero of Raghu’s line, a fountain of mercy and the delight of all.

चौपाई | Chaupai:
निज मति सरिस नाथ मैं गाई। प्रभु प्रताप महिमा खगराई॥
कहेउँ न कछु करि जुगुति बिसेषी। यह सब मैं निज नयनन्हि देखी॥1॥
nija mati sarisa nātha maiṃ gāī. prabhu pratāpa mahimā khagarāī..
kahēuom na kachu kari juguti bisēṣī. yaha saba maiṃ nija nayananhi dēkhī..

Thus, my master, have I sung according to my own light the greatness of my lord’s glory, O king of the birds. I have not had recourse to any inventive skill; I have seen all this with my own eyes.

महिमा नाम रूप गुन गाथा। सकल अमित अनंत रघुनाथा॥
निज निज मति मुनि हरि गुन गावहिं। निगम सेष सिव पार न पावहिं॥2॥
mahimā nāma rūpa guna gāthā. sakala amita anaṃta raghunāthā..
nija nija mati muni hari guna gāvahiṃ. nigama sēṣa siva pāra na pāvahiṃ..

Sri Rama’s greatness, His Name, beauty and the song of His praises, they are all boundless and endless; and the Lord of the Raghus Himself is infinite. The sages sing Sri Hari’s praises each according to his wits; but neither the Vedas nor Sesa (the serpent-god) nor the blessed Siva Himself can reach their end.

तुम्हहि आदि खग मसक प्रजंता। नभ उड़ाहिं नहिं पावहिं अंता॥
तिमि रघुपति महिमा अवगाहा। तात कबहुँ कोउ पाव कि थाहा॥3॥
tumhahi ādi khaga masaka prajaṃtā. nabha uḍaāhiṃ nahiṃ pāvahiṃ aṃtā..
timi raghupati mahimā avagāhā. tāta kabahuom kōu pāva ki thāhā..

All winged creatures, from yourself down to the mosquito, take their flight across the sky; but none can reach the end of it. Even so, dear Garuda, can anyone ever gauge the exent of Sri Rama’s greatness,

रामु काम सत कोटि सुभग तन। दुर्गा कोटि अमित अरि मर्दन॥
सक्र कोटि सत सरिस बिलासा। नभ सत कोटि अमित अवकासा॥4॥
rāmu kāma sata kōṭi subhaga tana. durgā kōṭi amita ari mardana..
sakra kōṭi sata sarisa bilāsā. nabha sata kōṭi amita avakāsā..

unfathomable as it is ? Sri Rama’s body possesses the charm of a myriad Cupids. He is as inexorable in crushing the enemy as countless millions of Durgas. He enjoys the luxury of a myriad Indras and is immeasurable in expanse as a myriad firmaments.

दोहा | Dohas:
मरुत कोटि सत बिपुल बल रबि सत कोटि प्रकास।
ससि सत कोटि सुसीतल समन सकल भव त्रास॥91 क॥
maruta kōṭi sata bipula bala rabi sata kōṭi prakāsa.
sasi sata kōṭi susītala samana sakala bhava trāsa..91ka..

He has the might of a myriad winds and the brilliance of a myriad suns. He is as cool as a myriad moons and allays all the fears of mundane existence.

काल कोटि सत सरिस अति दुस्तर दुर्ग दुरंत।
धूमकेतु सत कोटि सम दुराधरष भगवंत॥91 ख॥
kāla kōṭi sata sarisa ati dustara durga duraṃta.
dhūmakētu sata kōṭi sama durādharaṣa bhagavaṃta..91kha..

Again, He is irresistible unappoachable and interminable as a myriad Deaths. Nay, the Lord is irrepressible as a myriad fires.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
प्रभु अगाध सत कोटि पताला। समन कोटि सत सरिस कराला॥
तीरथ अमित कोटि सम पावन। नाम अखिल अघ पूग नसावन॥1॥
prabhu agādha sata kōṭi patālā. samana kōṭi sata sarisa karālā..
tīratha amita kōṭi sama pāvana. nāma akhila agha pūga nasāvana..

The Lord is unfathomable as a myriad Patalas and dreadful as a myriad Yamas. He is as sanctifying as countless millions of sacred places; nay, His very name obliterates all one’s accumulated sins.

हिमगिरि कोटि अचल रघुबीरा। सिंधु कोटि सत सम गंभीरा॥
कामधेनु सत कोटि समाना। सकल काम दायक भगवाना॥2॥
himagiri kōṭi acala raghubīrā. siṃdhu kōṭi sata sama gaṃbhīrā..
kāmadhēnu sata kōṭi samānā. sakala kāma dāyaka bhagavānā..

The Hero of Raghu’s line is as immovable as a myriad Himalayas and as deep as a myriad seas. The Lord is as liberal in bestowing all one’s cherished objects as a myriad cows of plenty.

सारद कोटि अमित चतुराई। बिधि सत कोटि सृष्टि निपुनाई॥
बिष्नु कोटि सम पालन कर्ता। रुद्र कोटि सत सम संहर्ता॥3॥
sārada kōṭi amita caturāī. bidhi sata kōṭi sṛṣṭi nipunāī..
biṣnu kōṭi sama pālana kartā. rudra kōṭi sata sama saṃhartā..

He is as sharp as countless millions of Saradas and possesses the creative skill of a myriad Brahmas. Again, He is as good a preserver as a myriad Visnus and as thorough a destroyer as a myriad Rudras.

धनद कोटि सत सम धनवाना। माया कोटि प्रपंच निधाना॥
भार धरन सत कोटि अहीसा। निरवधि निरुपम प्रभु जगदीसा॥4॥
dhanada kōṭi sata sama dhanavānā. māyā kōṭi prapaṃca nidhānā..
bhāra dharana sata kōṭi ahīsā. niravadhi nirupama prabhu jagadīsā..

He is as rich as a myriad Kuberas and as capable of bringing forth material universes as a myriad Mayas. He is as good a supporter (of the universes) as a myriad Sesas. In short, Lord Sri Rama, the sovereign of the universe, is infinite and incomparable ( in every respect).

छंद :
निरुपम न उपमा आन राम समान रामु निगम कहै।
जिमि कोटि सत खद्योत सम रबि कहत अति लघुता लहै॥
nirupama na upamā āna rāma samāna rāmu nigama kahai.
jimi kōṭi sata khadyōta sama rabi kahata ati laghutā lahai..

Incomparable as He is, He has no compeer. Sri Rama alone is Sri Rama’s peer- so declare the Vedas-even as the sun really suffers diminution by being likened to a myriad glow-worms.

एहि भाँति निज निज मति बिलास मुनीस हरिहि बखानहीं।
प्रभु भाव गाहक अति कृपाल सप्रेम सुनि सुख मानहीं॥
ēhi bhāomti nija nija mati bilāsa munisa harihi bakhānahīṃ.
prabhu bhāva gāhaka ati kṛpāla saprēma suni sukha mānahīṃ..

So do the great sages sing the praises of Sri Hari each according to the flight of his own wits and the Lord lovingly hears them and feels delighted (however inadequate the praise may be); for He respects the sentiment of His devotees and is extremely kind.

दोहा | Dohas:
रामु अमित गुन सागर थाह कि पावइ कोइ।
संतन्ह सन जस किछु सुनेउँ तुम्हहि सुनायउँ सोइ॥92 क॥
rāmu amita guna sāgara thāha ki pāvai kōi.
saṃtanha sana jasa kichu sunēuom tumhahi sunāyauom sōi..92ka..

Sri Rama is an ocean of countless virtues : can anyone sound His depth? I have only told you the little I have myself heard from the saints.

सोरठा | Sorthas:
भाव बस्य भगवान सुख निधान करुना भवन।
तजि ममता मद मान भजिअ सदा सीता रवन॥92 ख॥
bhāva basya bhagavāna sukha nidhāna karunā bhavana.
taji mamatā mada māna bhajia sadā sītā ravana..92kha..

The Lord is won only by sincere Devotion and is a fountain of joy and an abode of compassion. Therefore, giving up worldly attachment, vanity and pride, one should ever adore Sita’s Spouse.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
सुनि भुसुंडि के बचन सुहाए। हरषित खगपति पंख फुलाए॥
नयन नीर मन अति हरषाना। श्रीरघुपति प्रताप उर आना॥1॥
suni bhusuṃḍi kē bacana suhāē. haraṣita khagapati paṃkha phulāē..
nayana nīra mana ati haraṣānā. śrīraghupati pratāpa ura ānā..

The lord of the winged creatures was rejoiced to hear the agreeable words of Bhusundi and fluffed up his feathers. Tears rushed to his eyes and his soul was flooded with joy as he meditated on the glory of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus).

पाछिल मोह समुझि पछिताना। ब्रह्म अनादि मनुज करि माना॥
पुनि पुनि काग चरन सिरु नावा। जानि राम सम प्रेम बढ़ावा॥2॥
pāchila mōha samujhi pachitānā. brahma anādi manuja kari mānā..
puni puni kāga carana siru nāvā. jāni rāma sama prēma baḍhaāvā..

Recalling his former delusion he was filled with remorse at the thought that He had taken the dateless Brahma for a mere mortal. Again and again he bowed his head at the crow’s feet and loved him all the more, knowing him to be as good as Rama.

गुर बिनु भव निध तरइ न कोई। जौं बिरंचि संकर सम होई॥
संसय सर्प ग्रसेउ मोहि ताता। दुखद लहरि कुतर्क बहु ब्राता॥3॥
gura binu bhava nidhi tarai na kōī. jauṃ biraṃci saṃkara sama hōī..
saṃsaya sarpa grasēu mōhi tātā. dukhada lahari kutarka bahu brātā..

Without a spiritual guide none can cross the ocean of mundane existence, though he be the equal of Viranci (the Creator) or Lord Sankara. He said, “I was bitten by the serpent of doubt, dear Sir. (As an effect of this snake-bite) I had several painful fits of stupor in the form of so many fallacies.

तव सरूप गारुड़ि रघुनायक। मोहि जिआयउ जन सुखदायक॥
तव प्रसाद मम मोह नसाना। राम रहस्य अनूपम जाना॥4॥
tava sarūpa gāruḍai raghunāyaka. mōhi jiāyau jana sukhadāyaka..
tava prasāda mama mōha nasānā. rāma rahasya anūpama jānā..

But the Lord of the Raghus, the delight of His devotees, has saved me by sending me to a charmer in your person. By your grace my infatuation has ceased and I have learnt the incomparable mystery of Sri Rama.”

दोहा | Dohas:
ताहि प्रसंसि बिबिधि बिधि सीस नाइ कर जोरि।
बचन बिनीत सप्रेम मृदु बोलेउ गरुड़ बहोरि॥93 क॥
tāhi prasaṃsi bibidha bidhi sīsa nāi kara jōri.
bacana binīta saprēma mṛdu bōlēu garuḍa bahōri..93ka..

After eulogizing Kakabhusundi in many ways and bowing his head before him with joined palms Garuda proceeded in these polite, affectionate and gentle words :

प्रभु अपने अबिबेक ते बूझउँ स्वामी तोहि।
कृपासिंधु सादर कहहु जानि दास निज मोहि॥93 ख॥
prabhu apanē abibēka tē būjhauom svāmī tōhi.
kṛpāsiṃdhu sādara kahahu jāni dāsa nija mōhi..93kha..
“In my ignorance, O my lord and master, I ask you a question. Knowing me to be your own servant, O ocean of compassion, carefully answer it.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
तुम्ह सर्बग्य तग्य तम पारा। सुमति सुसील सरल आचारा॥
ग्यान बिरति बिग्यान निवासा। रघुनायक के तुम्ह प्रिय दासा॥1॥
tumha sarbagya tanya tama pārā. sumati susīla sarala ācārā..
gyāna birati bigyāna nivāsā. raghunāyaka kē tumha priya dāsā..

“You are an omniscient knower of Truth, having reached beyond the darkness (of ignorance), intelligent, amiable, straight in your dealings and a storehouse of wisdom, dispassion and Realization. Above all you are a beloved servant of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus).

कारन कवन देह यह पाई। तात सकल मोहि कहहु बुझाई॥
राम चरित सुर सुंदर स्वामी। पायहु कहाँ कहहु नभगामी॥2॥
kārana kavana dēha yaha pāī. tāta sakala mōhi kahahu bujhāī..
rāma carita sara suṃdara svāmī. pāyahu kahāom kahahu nabhagāmī.
Yet wherefore did you get this form (of a crow)? Dear Sir, explain all this to me clearly. Also tell me, my master, where did you get this lovely Lake of Sri Rama’s exploits, O good bird?

नाथ सुना मैं अस सिव पाहीं। महा प्रलयहुँ नास तव नाहीं॥
मुधा बचन नहिं ईस्वर कहई। सोउ मोरें मन संसय अहई॥3॥
nātha sunā maiṃ asa siva pāhīṃ. mahā pralayahuom nāsa tava nāhīṃ..
mudhā bacana nahiṃ īsvara kahaī. sōu mōrēṃ mana saṃsaya ahaī..

My lord, I have heard it from Siva Himself that you do not perish even during Mahapralaya (the Great Dissolution when Brahma himself retires into the Lord’s body after completing the 100 years of his existence). The divine Lord Siva would never utter an idle word and therefore my mind is in doubt.

अग जग जीव नाग नर देवा। नाथ सकल जगु काल कलेवा॥
अंड कटाह अमित लय कारी। कालु सदा दुरतिक्रम भारी॥4॥
aga jaga jīva nāga nara dēvā. nātha sakala jagu kāla kalēvā..
aṃḍa kaṭāha amita laya kārī. kālu sadā duratikrama bhārī..

My lord, the whole universe with all its animate and inanimate beings, including the Nagas, human beings and gods, is an intended victim of Death. The Time-Spirit, which destroys countless universe, is ever mighty and irresistible.”

सोरठा | Sorthas:
तुम्हहि न ब्यापत काल अति कराल कारन कवन।
मोहि सो कहहु कृपाल ग्यान प्रभाव कि जोग बल॥94 क॥
tumhahi na byāpata kāla ati karāla kārana kavana.
mōhi sō kahahu kṛpāla gyāna prabhāva ki jōga bala..94ka..
“How is it that the most formidable Time-Spirit has no power over you? Tell me, my gracious lord, if it is a glory of spiritual insight or a feat of Yoga?

दोहा | Dohas:
प्रभु तव आश्रम आएँ मोर मोह भ्रम भाग।
कारन कवन सो नाथ सब कहहु सहित अनुराग॥94 ख॥
prabhu tava āśrama āēom mōra mōha bhrama bhāga.
kārana kavana sō nātha saba kahahu sahita anurāga..94kha..

O lord, my infatuation and delusion disappeared the moment I visited your hermitage. Tell me in a loving spirit, my lord, how did all this happen?”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
गरुड़ गिरा सुनि हरषेउ कागा। बोलेउ उमा परम अनुरागा॥
धन्य धन्य तव मति उरगारी। प्रस्न तुम्हारि मोहि अति प्यारी॥1॥
garuḍa girā suni haraṣēu kāgā. bōlēu umā parama anurāgā..
dhanya dhanya tava mati uragārī. prasna tumhāri mōhi ati pyārī..

Uma, (continues Lord Siva,) the crow (Kakabhusundi) rejoiced to hear Garuda’s words and replied with utmost affection : “Blessed, blessed indeed is your intellect, O enemy of serpents. Your question is very pleasing to me.

सुनि तव प्रश्न सप्रेम सुहाई। बहुत जनम कै सुधि मोहि आई॥
सब निज कथा कहउँ मैं गाई। तात सुनहु सादर मन लाई॥2॥
suni tava prasna saprēma suhāī. bahuta janama kai sudhi mōhi āī..
saba nija kathā kahauom maiṃ gāī. tāta sunahu sādara mana lāī..

On hearing your loving and agreeable question I have been reminded of many previous births. I shall now narrate the whole of my story at full length; dear Garuda, listen to it attentively with all reverence.

जप तप मख सम दम ब्रत दाना। बिरति बिबेक जोग बिग्याना॥
सब कर फल रघुपति पद प्रेमा। तेहि बिनु कोउ न पावइ छेमा॥3॥
japa tapa makha sama dama brata dānā. birati bibēka jōga bigyānā..
saba kara phala raghupati pada prēmā. tēhi binu kōu na pāvai chēmā..

The muttering of prayers, austere penance, performing sacrifices, subjugation of the mind and the senses, undertaking sacred vows, charity, dispassion, right judgment, Yoga (union with God) and Realization-the fruit of all these is devotion to the feet of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus); without this no one can attain lasting peace.

एहिं तन राम भगति मैं पाई। ताते मोहि ममता अधिकाई॥
जेहि तें कछु निज स्वारथ होई। तेहि पर ममता कर सब कोई॥4॥
ēhi tana rāma bhagati maiṃ pāī. tātē mōhi mamatā adhikāī..
jēhi tēṃ kachu nija svāratha hōī. tēhi para mamatā kara saba kōī..

It was in this body that I was blessed with devotion to Sri Rama; hence it is so very dear to me. Everyone naturally loves that through which one has attained one’s object.

सोरठा | Sorthas:
पन्नगारि असि नीति श्रुति संमत सज्जन कहहिं।
अति नीचहु सन प्रीति करिअ जानि निज परम हित॥95 क॥
pannagāri asi nīti śruti saṃmata sajjana kahahiṃ.
ati nīcahu sana prīti karia jāni nija parama hita..95ka..

It is a sound maxim, O enemy of serpents, approved of by the Vedas-and the saints too endorse it-that love should be shown to the meanest creature if we come to know it to be our greatest friend.

पाट कीट तें होइ तेहि तें पाटंबर रुचिर।
कृमि पालइ सबु कोइ परम अपावन प्रान सम॥95 ख॥
pāṭa kīṭa tēṃ hōi tēhi tēṃ pāṭaṃbara rucira.
kṛmi pālai sabu kōi parama apāvana prāna sama..95kha..

Silk, for instance, is the product of a worm and from it we have beautiful silken textiles. That is why everyone tends the worm like one’s own life even though it is most impure.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
स्वारथ साँच जीव कहुँ एहा। मन क्रम बचन राम पद नेहा॥
सोइ पावन सोइ सुभग सरीरा। जो तनु पाइ भजिअ रघुबीरा॥1॥
svāratha sāomca jīva kahuom ēhā. mana krama bacana rāma pada nēhā..
sōi pāvana sōi subhaga sarīrā. jō tanu pāi bhajia raghubīrā..

The real self-interest of every living creature lies in cultivating devotion to Sri Rama’s feet in thought, word and deed. That body alone is sacred and that alone blessed, in which one is able to worship the Hero of Raghu’s line.

राम बिमुख लहि बिधि सम देही। कबि कोबिद न प्रसंसहिं तेही॥
राम भगति एहिं तन उर जामी। ताते मोहि परम प्रिय स्वामी॥2॥
rāma bimukha lahi bidhi sama dēhī. kabi kōbida na prasaṃsahiṃ tēhī..
rāma bhagati ēhiṃ tana ura jāmī. tātē mōhi parama priya svāmī..

The wise and the learned never extol him who is hostile to Sri Rama, even though he may acquire a body as exalted as that of Brahma (the Creator) himself, Devotion to Sri Rama took root in my heart in this very body; hence I hold it supremely dear, my master.

तजउँ न तन निज इच्छा मरना। तन बिनु बेद भजन नहिं बरना॥
प्रथम मोहँ मोहि बहुत बिगोवा। राम बिमुख सुख कबहुँ न सोवा॥3॥
tajauom na tana nija icchā maranā. tana binu bēda bhajana nahiṃ baranā..
prathama mōhaom mōhi bahuta bigōvā. rāma bimukha sukha kabahuom na sōvā..

Although my death depends on my own will, I refuse to quit this body, because-as the Vedas declare- adoration of the Lord is not possible without a corporeal frame. At first infatuation gave me much trouble; so long as I remained hostile to Sri Rama I never had a restful sleep.

नाना जनम कर्म पुनि नाना। किए जोग जप तप मख दाना॥
कवन जोनि जनमेउँ जहँ नाहीं। मैं खगेस भ्रमि भ्रमि जग माहीं॥4॥
nānā janama karma puni nānā. kiē jōga japa tapa makha dānā..
kavana jōni janamēuom jahaom nāhīṃ. maiṃ khagēsa bhrami bhrami jaga māhīṃ..

Through a number births I practised Yoga (concentration of mind), Japa (muttering of prayers), austere penance and charity and performed sacrifices and other acts of various kinds. Which species is there in this world, O lord of the winged creatures, in which I have not at sometime been born during my round of births?

देखेउँ करि सब करम गोसाईं। सुखी न भयउँ अबहिं की नाईं॥
सुधि मोहि नाथ जन्म बहु केरी। सिव प्रसाद मति मोहँ न घेरी॥5॥
dēkhēuom kari saba karama gōsāī. sukhī na bhayauom abahiṃ kī nāī..
sudhi mōhi nātha janma bahu kērī. siva prasāda mati mōhaom na ghērī..
? I have had experience of all kinds of pursuits, my lord; but I was never so happy as I am now. I recollect many previous existences, my lord, in which by Siva grace my understanding was not clouded by infatuation.

दोहा | Dohas:
प्रथम जन्म के चरित अब कहउँ सुनहु बिहगेस।
सुनि प्रभु पद रति उपजइ जातें मिटहिं कलेस॥96 क॥
prathama janma kē carita aba kahauom sunahu bihagēsa.
suni prabhu pada rati upajai jātēṃ miṭahiṃ kalēsa..96ka..

Listen, O lord of the feathered kingdom: I now proceed to narrate the story of my very first birth (within my memory), which is sure to engender in the heart of the listener love for the Lord’s feet, which is the remedy for all afflictions.

पूरुब कल्प एक प्रभु जुग कलिजुग मल मूल।
नर अरु नारि अधर्म रत सकल निगम प्रतिकूल॥96 ख॥
pūruba kalpa ēka prabhu juga kalijuga mala mūla..
nara aru nāri adharma rata sakala nigama pratikūla..96kha..
In a former Kalpa (round of creation), my lord, the world was passing through a Kaliyuga, the hotbed of sin, in which men and women were all steeped in unrighteousness and acted contrary to the Vedas.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
तेहिं कलिजुग कोसलपुर जाई। जन्मत भयउँ सूद्र तनु पाई॥
सिव सेवक मन क्रम अरु बानी। आन देव निंदक अभिमानी॥1॥
tēhi kalijuga kōsalapura jāī. janmata bhayauom sūdra tanu pāī..
siva sēvaka mana krama aru bānī. āna dēva niṃdaka abhimānī..

In that Kaliyuga I was born in the city of Ayodhya and got the body of a Sμudra (a member of the labouring and artisan classes). A devotee of Lord Siva in thought, word and deed, I was a reviler of other gods and conceited too.

धन मद मत्त परम बाचाला। उग्रबुद्धि उर दंभ बिसाला॥
जदपि रहेउँ रघुपति रजधानी। तदपि न कछु महिमा तब जानी॥2॥
dhana mada matta parama bācālā. ugrabuddhi ura daṃbha bisālā..
jadapi rahēuom raghupati rajadhānī. tadapi na kachu mahimā taba jānī..
Intoxicated with the pride of pelf, I was most loquacious and savage of purpose and carried an enormous load of hypocrisy in my heart. Even though I dwelt in the capital of Sri Rama (the lord of the Raghus), I failed to know even an iota of its glory then.

अब जाना मैं अवध प्रभावा। निगमागम पुरान अस गावा॥
कवनेहुँ जन्म अवध बस जोई। राम परायन सो परि होई॥3॥
aba jānā maiṃ avadha prabhāvā. nigamāgama purāna asa gāvā..
kavanēhuom janma avadha basa jōī. rāma parāyana sō pari hōī..
Now I have come to know the greatness of Ayodhya. Thus has it been sung by the Vedas, Tantras and Puranas that whoever has resided in Ayodhya in any birth whatsoever surely becomes a votary of Sri Rama.

अवध प्रभाव जान तब प्रानी। जब उर बसहिं रामु धनुपानी॥
सो कलिकाल कठिन उरगारी। पाप परायन सब नर नारी॥4॥
avadha prabhāva jāna taba prānī. jaba ura basahiṃ rāmu dhanupānī..
sō kalikāla kaṭhina uragārī. pāpa parāyana saba nara nārī..

A man comes to know the glory of Ayodhya only when Sri Rama, bow in hand, takes up His abode in his heart. That particular age of Kali was terrible indeed, O enemy of serpents; every man and woman was given over to sin.

दोहा | Dohas:
कलिमल ग्रसे धर्म सब लुप्त भए सदग्रंथ।
दंभिन्ह निज मति कल्पि करि प्रगट किए बहु पंथ॥97 क॥
kalimala grasē dharma saba lupta bhaē sadagraṃtha.
daṃbhinha nija mati kalpi kari pragaṭa kiē bahu paṃtha..97ka..

Every virtue had been engulfed by the sins of Kali; all good books had disappeared; impostors had promulgated a number of creeds which they had invented out of their own wit.

भए लोग सब मोहबस लोभ ग्रसे सुभ कर्म।
सुनु हरिजान ग्यान निधि कहउँ कछुक कलिधर्म॥97 ख॥
bhaē lōga saba mōhabasa lōbha grasē subha karma.
sunu harijāna gyāna nidhi kahauom kachuka kalidharma..97kha..

The people had all fallen a prey to delusion and all pious acts had been swallowed by greed. Now listen, all-wise mount of Sri Hari, while I describe a few peculiarities of Kali.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
बरन धर्म नहिं आश्रम चारी। श्रुति बिरोध रत सब नर नारी।
द्विज श्रुति बेचक भूप प्रजासन। कोउ नहिं मान निगम अनुसासन॥1॥
barana dharma nahiṃ āśrama cārī. śruti birōdha rata saba nara nārī..
dvija śruti bēcaka bhūpa prajāsana. kōu nahiṃ māna nigama anusāsana..

No one follows the duties of one’s own caste, and the four asramas or stages of life also disappear. Every man and woman takes delight in revolting against the Vedas. The Brahmanas sell the Vedas; the kings bleed their subjects; no one respects the injunction of the Vedas.

मारग सोइ जा कहुँ जोइ भावा। पंडित सोइ जो गाल बजावा॥
मिथ्यारंभ दंभ रत जोई। ता कहुँ संत कहइ सब कोई॥2॥
māraga sōi jā kahuom jōi bhāvā. paṃḍita sōi jō gāla bajāvā..
mithyāraṃbha daṃbha rata jōī. tā kahuom saṃta kahai saba kōī..

The right course for every individual is that which one takes a fancy to; a man of erudition is he who plays the braggart. Whoever launches spurious undertakings and is given over to hypocrisy, him does everyone call a saint.

सोइ सयान जो परधन हारी। जो कर दंभ सो बड़ आचारी॥
जो कह झूँठ मसखरी जाना। कलिजुग सोइ गुनवंत बखाना॥3॥
sōi sayāna jō paradhana hārī. jō kara daṃbha sō baḍa ācārī..
jau kaha jhūomṭha masakharī jānā. kalijuga sōi gunavaṃta bakhānā..

He alone is clever, who robs another of his wealth; he who puts up false appearances is an ardent follower of established usage. He who is given to lying and is clever at joking is spoken of as a man of parts in the Kali age.

निराचार जो श्रुति पथ त्यागी। कलिजुग सोइ ग्यानी सो बिरागी॥
जाकें नख अरु जटा बिसाला। सोइ तापस प्रसिद्ध कलिकाला॥4॥
nirācāra jō śruti patha tyāgī. kalijuga sōi gyānī sō birāgī..
jākēṃ nakha aru jaṭā bisālā. sōi tāpasa prasiddha kalikālā..

He alone who is a reprobate and has abandoned the path of the Vedas is a man of wisdom and dispassion in the Kali age. He alone who has grown big nails and long locks of matted hair is a renowned ascetic in the Kali age.

दोहा | Dohas:
असुभ बेष भूषन धरें भच्छाभच्छ जे खाहिं।
तेइ जोगी तेइ सिद्ध नर पूज्य ते कलिजुग माहिं॥98 क॥
asubha bēṣa bhūṣana dharēṃ bhacchābhaccha jē khāhiṃ.
tēi jōgī tēi siddha nara pūjya tē kalijuga māhiṃ..98ka..

They alone who put on an unsightly garb and ornaments, eat anything and everything, no matter whether it is worth eating or not, are ascetics; they alone are perfect men and they are worth adoring in the Kali age.

सोरठा | Sorthas:
जे अपकारी चार तिन्ह कर गौरव मान्य तेइ।
मन क्रम बचन लबार तेइ बकता कलिकाल महुँ॥98 ख॥
jē apakārī cāra tinha kara gaurava mānya tēi.
mana krama bacana labāra tēi bakatā kalikāla mahuom..98kha..

They who are of maleficent conduct are held in great esteem and they alone are worthy of honour. Even so they alone who are babblers in thought, word and deed are orators in the Kali age.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
नारि बिबस नर सकल गोसाईं। नाचहिं नट मर्कट की नाईं॥
सूद्र द्विजन्ह उपदेसहिं ग्याना। मेल जनेऊ लेहिं कुदाना॥1॥
nāri bibasa nara sakala gōsāī. nācahiṃ naṭa markaṭa kī nāī..
sūdra dvijanha upadēsahiṃ gyānā. mēli janēū lēhiṃ kudānā..

Dominated by women, my lord, all men dance to their tune like a monkey controlled by its trainer. Sμudras instruct the twice-born in spiritual wisdom and, wearing the sacred thread, accept the worst type of gifts.

सब नर काम लोभ रत क्रोधी। देव बिप्र श्रुति संत बिरोधी॥
गुन मंदिर सुंदर पति त्यागी। भजहिं नारि पर पुरुष अभागी॥2॥
saba nara kāma lōbha rata krōdhī. dēva bipra śruti saṃta birōdhī..
guna maṃdira suṃdara pati tyāgī. bhajahiṃ nāri para puruṣa abhāgī..

All men are given over to sensuality and greed and irascible too, and are hostile to the gods; the Brahmanas, the Vedas as well as to the saints. Unfortunate wives desert their accomplished and handsome husband and bestow their heart on a paramour.

सौभागिनीं बिभूषन हीना। बिधवन्ह के सिंगार नबीना॥
गुर सिष बधिर अंध का लेखा। एक न सुनइ एक नहिं देखा॥3॥
saubhāginīṃ bibhūṣana hīnā. bidhavanha kē siṃgāra nabīnā..
gura siṣa badhira aṃdha kā lēkhā. ēka na sunai ēka nahiṃ dēkhā..

Wives having their husband alive have no ornament on their person, while widows adorn themselves in the latest style. The disciple and the preceptor severally resemble a deaf man and a blind man : the one would not listen, while the other cannot see.

हरइ सिष्य धन सोक न हरई। सो गुर घोर नरक महुँ परई॥
मातु पिता बालकन्हि बोलावहिं। उदर भरै सोइ धर्म सिखावहिं॥4॥
harai siṣya dhana sōka na haraī. sō gura ghōra naraka mahuom paraī..
mātu pitā bālakanhi bōlābahiṃ. udara bharai sōi dharma sikhāvahiṃ..

A spiritual guide who robs his disciple of money but fails to rid him of his sorrow is cast into a terrible hell. Parents call their children and teach them such religion as may fill their belly.

दोहा | Dohas:
ब्रह्म ग्यान बिनु नारि नर कहहिं न दूसरि बात।
कौड़ी लागि लोभ बस करहिं बिप्र गुर घात॥99 क॥
brahma gyāna binu nāri nara kahahiṃ na dūsari bāta.
kauḍaī lāgi lōbha basa karahiṃ bipra gura ghāta..99ka..

Men and women talk of nothing else than the Knowledge of Brahma; while in their greed they would kill a Brahmana or, for the matter of that, even their own spiritual guide for the sake of a single shell.

बादहिं सूद्र द्विजन्ह सन हम तुम्ह ते कछु घाटि।
जानइ ब्रह्म सो बिप्रबर आँखि देखावहिं डाटि॥99 ख॥
bādahiṃ sūdra dvijanha sana hama tumha tē kachu ghāṭi.
jānai brahma sō biprabara āomkhi dēkhāvahiṃ ḍāṭi..99kha..

Sudras argue with the twice-born : “Are we in anyway inferior to you? A good Brahmana is he who knows the truth of Brahma !” and defiantly glower at them.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
पर त्रिय लंपट कपट सयाने। मोह द्रोह ममता लपटाने॥
तेइ अभेदबादी ग्यानी नर। देखा मैं चरित्र कलिजुग कर॥1॥
para triya laṃpaṭa kapaṭa sayānē. mōha drōha mamatā lapaṭānē..
tēi abhēdabādī gyānī nara. dēkhā mēṃ caritra kalijuga kara..

They alone who are covetous of antother’s wife and are clever at wiles and steeped in delusion, malice and worldly attachment are enlightened men swearing by the identity of the individual soul with Brahma. Such is the practice I have seen in every Kali age.

आपु गए अरु तिन्हहू घालहिं। जे कहुँ सत मारग प्रतिपालहिं॥
कल्प कल्प भरि एक एक नरका। परहिं जे दूषहिं श्रुति करि तरका॥2॥
āpu gaē aru tinhahū ghālahiṃ. jē kahuom sata māraga pratipālahiṃ..
kalpa kalpa bhari ēka ēka narakā. parahiṃ jē dūṣahiṃ śruti kari tarakā..

Doomed themselves, such people bring ruin even to those rare souls who tread the path of virtue. They who find fault with the Vedas by dint of logic are condemned to each hell for a whole Kalpa (cycle).

जे बरनाधम तेलि कुम्हारा। स्वपच किरात कोल कलवारा।
पनारि मुई गृह संपति नासी। मूड़ मुड़ाइ होहिं संन्यासी॥3॥
jē baranādhama tēli kumhārā. svapaca kirāta kōla kalavārā..
nāri muī gṛha saṃpati nāsī. mūḍa muḍaāi hōhiṃ sanyāsī..

People of the lowest grade in society such as oil-men, potters, the outcaste (lit., those who cook and feed on the flesh of a dog), the Kiratas and Kolas and the distillers of spirituous liquors get their heads shaved and enter the order of Samnyasa (renunciation) when their wife is no more in this world and they have lost their household property.

ते बिप्रन्ह सन आपु पुजावहिं। उभय लोक निज हाथ नसावहिं॥
बिप्र निरच्छर लोलुप कामी। निराचार सठ बृषली स्वामी॥4॥
tē bipranha sana āpu pujāvahiṃ. ubhaya lōka nija hātha nasāvahiṃ..
bipra niracchara lōlupa kāmī. nirācāra saṭha bṛṣalī svāmī..

They allow themselves to be worshipped by the Brahmanas and bring ruin to themselves here as well as hereafter. As for the Brahmanas, they are unlettered, grasping, lascivious, reprobate and stupid and marry low-caste women of a lewd character.

सूद्र करहिं जप तप ब्रत नाना। बैठि बरासन कहहिं पुराना॥
सब नर कल्पित करहिं अचारा। जाइ न बरनि अनीति अपारा॥5॥।
sūdra karahiṃ japa tapa brata nānā. baiṭhi barāsana kahahiṃ purānā..
saba nara kalpita karahiṃ acārā. jāi na barani anīti apārā..

Sudras, on the other hand, practise Japa (the muttering of prayers) and austere penance, undertake sacred vows of various kinds and expound the Puranas from an exalted seat. All men follow a course of conduct of their own imagination; the endless variety of wrongdoing cannot be described in words.

दोहा | Dohas:
भए बरन संकर कलि भिन्नसेतु सब लोग।
करहिं पाप पावहिं दुख भय रुज सोक बियोग॥100 क॥
bhaē barana saṃkara kali bhinnasētu saba lōga.
karahiṃ pāpa pāvahiṃ dukha bhaya ruja sōka biyōga..100ka..

In the age of Kali there ensues a confusion of castes (due to promiscuous intermarriages) and everyone infringes the sacred laws. Men perpetrate sins and reap suffering terror, disease, sorrow and desolation.

श्रुति संमत हरि भक्ति पथ संजुत बिरति बिबेक।
तेहिं न चलहिं नर मोह बस कल्पहिं पंथ अनेक॥100 ख॥
śruti saṃmata hari bhakti patha saṃjuta birati bibēka.
tēhi na calahiṃ nara mōha basa kalpahiṃ paṃtha anēka..100kha..

Overcome by delusion they walk not in the path of Devotion to Sri Hari, conjoined with dispassion and wisdom-a path which has the approval of the Vedas-and invent diverse creeds of their own.

छंद :
बहु दाम सँवारहिं धाम जती। बिषया हरि लीन्हि न रहि बिरती॥
तपसी धनवंत दरिद्र गृही। कलि कौतुक तात न जात कही॥1॥
bahu dāma saomvārahiṃ dhāma jatī. biṣayā hari līnhi na rahi biratī..
tapasī dhanavaṃta daridra gṛhī. kali kautuka tāta na jāta kahī..

The so-called recluses build themselves houses and furnish them at considerable expense; dispassion is no more to be seen in them, the same having been wiped out by their sensuality. The so-called ascetics grow wealthy and householders go penniless: the freaks of the Kali age, dear Garuda, are beyond all telling.

कुलवंति निकारहिं नारि सती। गृह आनहिं चेरि निबेरि गती॥
सुत मानहिं मातु पिता तब लौं। अबलानन दीख नहीं जब लौं॥2॥
kulavaṃti nikārahiṃ nāri satī. gṛha ānihiṃ cērī nibēri gatī..
suta mānahiṃ mātu pitā taba lauṃ. abalānana dīkha nahīṃ jaba lauṃ..

Men drive out a well-born and virtuous wife and bring home some servant-girl, casting to the winds all good usage. Sons respect their father and mother only so long as they have not seen the face of their wife.

ससुरारि पिआरि लगी जब तें। रिपुरूप कुटुंब भए तब तें॥
नृप पाप परायन धर्म नहीं। करि दंड बिडंब प्रजा नितहीं॥3॥
sasurāri piāri lagī jaba tēṃ. riparūpa kuṭuṃba bhaē taba tēṃ..
nṛpa pāpa parāyana dharma nahīṃ. kari daṃḍa biḍaṃba prajā nitahīṃ..
From the time they take a fancy to their wife’s kinsfolk they begin to look upon their own people as their enemies. Kings get addicted to sin and cease to have anything to do with piety. They ever persecute their subjects by inflicting unmerited punishment on them.

धनवंत कुलीन मलीन अपी। द्विज चिन्ह जनेउ उघार तपी॥
नहिं मान पुरान न बेदहि जो। हरि सेवक संत सही कलि सो॥4॥
dhanavaṃta kulīna malīna apī. dvija cinha janēu ughāra tapī..
nahiṃ māna purāna na bēdahi jō. hari sēvaka saṃta sahī kali sō..

The meanest churl, if he is rich, is accounted noble. A Brahmana is known only by his sacred thread, and an ascetic by his naked body. He who refuses to recognize the Vedas and Puranas is a true saint and servant of Sri Hari in the Kali age.

कबि बृंद उदार दुनी न सुनी। गुन दूषक ब्रात न कोपि गुनी॥
कलि बारहिं बार दुकाल परै। बिनु अन्न दुखी सब लोग मरै॥5॥
kabi bṛṃda udāra dunī na sunī. guna dūṣaka brāta na kōpi gunī..
kali bārahiṃ bāra dukāla parai. binu anna dukhī saba lōga marai..

Poets are seen in large numbers; but the munificent (who reward them) are seldom heard of. Those who find fault with others’ virtues can be had in any number, but no one possessing virtues. In the Kali age famines are of frequent occurrence: for want of foodgrains people perish miserably en masse.

दोहा | Dohas:
सुनु खगेस कलि कपट हठ दंभ द्वेष पाषंड।
मान मोह मारादि मद ब्यापि रहे ब्रह्मंड॥101 क॥
sunu khagēsa kali kapaṭa haṭha daṃbha dvēṣa pāṣaṃḍa.
māna mōha mārādi mada byāpi rahē brahmaṃḍa..101ka..

Listen, lord of the winged creatures : in the age of Kali duplicity, perversity, hypocrisy, malice, heresy, pride, infatuation, concupiscence and arrogance etc., pervade the whole universe.

तामस धर्म करिहिं नर जप तप ब्रत मख दान।
देव न बरषहिं धरनी बए न जामहिं धान॥101 ख॥
tāmasa dharma karahiṃ nara japa tapa brata makha dāna.
dēva na baraṣahiṃ dharanīṃ baē na jāmahiṃ dhāna..101kha..

Men practise Japa (the muttering of prayers), austere penance and charity, perform sacrifices and undertake sacred vows with some unholy motive. The gods rain not upon the earth and foodgrains sown in the soil do not germinate.

छंद :
अबला कच भूषन भूरि छुधा। धनहीन दुखी ममता बहुधा॥
सुख चाहहिं मूढ़ न धर्म रता। मति थोरि कठोरि न कोमलता॥1॥
abalā kaca bhūṣana bhūri chudhā. dhanahīna dukhī mamatā bahudhā..
sukha cāhahiṃ mūḍha na dharma ratā. mati thōri kaṭhōri na kōmalatā..1..

Women have no ornament except their tresses and have an enormous appetite. Though miserable for want of money, they are rich in attachment of various kinds. Though hankering after happiness they love not piety, stupid as they are. Though they are poor in wits, their mind is hardened and knows no tenderness.

नर पीड़ित रोग न भोग कहीं। अभिमान बिरोध अकारनहीं॥
लघु जीवन संबदु पंच दसा। कलपांत न नास गुमानु असा॥2॥
nara pīḍaita rōga na bhōga kahīṃ. abhimāna birōdha akāranahīṃ..
laghu jīvana saṃbatu paṃca dasā. kalapāṃta na nāsa gumānu asā..2..

As for men, they are tormented with diseases and find no enjoyment anywhere. They are conceited and contend with others without any rhyme or reason. Men’s life is short, extending to not more than five or ten years; yet in their pride they reckon on surviving the end of creation.

कलिकाल बिहाल किए मनुजा। नहिं मानत क्वौ अनुजा तनुजा॥
नहिं तोष बिचार न सीतलता। सब जाति कुजाति भए मगता॥3॥
kalikāla bihāla kiē manujā. nahiṃ mānata kvau anujā tanujā.
nahiṃ tōṣa bicāra na sītalatā. saba jāti kujāti bhaē magatā..3..
The age of Kali has driven men mad: no one respects the sanctity even of one’s sister or daughter. There is no contentment, nor discernment, nor composure. People of all classes, whether high or low, have taken to begging.

इरिषा परुषाच्छर लोलुपता। भरि पूरि रही समता बिगता॥
सब लोग बियोग बिसोक हए। बरनाश्रम धर्म अचार गए॥4॥
iriṣā paruṣācchara lōlupatā. bhari pūri rahī samatā bigatā..
saba lōga biyōga bisōka huē. baranāśrama dharma acāra gaē..4..

Envy, harsh words and covetousness are rampant; while evenness of mind is absent. People are all smitten with bereavement and deep sorrow. The duties and rules of conduct prescribed for the four orders of society and stages in life are neglected.

दम दान दया नहिं जानपनी। जड़ता परबंचनताति घनी॥
तनु पोषक नारि नरा सगरे। परनिंदक जे जग मो बगरे॥5॥
dama dāna dayā nahiṃ jānapanī. jaḍatā parabaṃcanatāti ghanī..
tanu pōṣaka nāri narā sagarē. paraniṃdaka jē jaga mō bagarē..5..

Self-control, charity, compassion and wisdom disappear; while stupidity and fraud multiply to a large extent. Men and women all pamper their body; while slanderers are diffused all over the world.

दोहा | Dohas:
सुनु ब्यालारि काल कलि मल अवगुन आगार।
गुनउ बहुत कलिजुग कर बिनु प्रयास निस्तार॥102 क॥
sunu byālāri kāla kali mala avaguna āgāra.
gunauom bahuta kalijuga kara binu prayāsa nistāra..102ka..

Listen, O enemy of serpents: the age of Kali is a storehouse of impurities and vices. But it has many virtues too; final emancipation is possible (in this age) without any exertion.

कृतजुग त्रेताँ द्वापर पूजा मख अरु जोग।
जो गति होइ सो कलि हरि नाम ते पावहिं लोग॥102 ख॥
kṛtajuga trētā dvāpara pūjā makha aru jōga.
jō gati hōi sō kali hari nāma tē pāvahiṃ lōga..102kha.

Moreover, the same goal which is reached through worship of God, performance of sacrifices or practice of Yoga in the Satyayuga, Treta and Dvapara, men are able to attain through the name of Sri Hari in the Kali age.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
कृतजुग सब जोगी बिग्यानी। करि हरि ध्यान तरहिं भव प्रानी॥
त्रेताँ बिबिध जग्य नर करहीं। प्रभुहि समर्पि कर्म भव तरहीं॥1॥
kṛtajuga saba jōgī bigyānī. kari hari dhyāna tarahiṃ bhava prānī..
trētāom bibidha jagya nara karahīṃ. prabhuhi samarpi karma bhava tarahīṃ..

In the Satyayuga everyone is possessed of mystic powers and wise too. Hence in that age men cross the ocean of mundane existence by meditating on Sri Hari. In the Treta age men perform sacrifices of various kinds and cross the ocean of metempsychosis by dedicating their actions to the Lord.

द्वापर करि रघुपति पद पूजा। नर भव तरहिं उपाय न दूजा॥
कलिजुग केवल हरि गुन गाहा। गावत नर पावहिं भव थाहा॥2॥
dvāpara kari raghupati pada pūjā. nara bhava tarahiṃ upāya na dūjā..
kalijuga kēvala hari guna gāhā. gāvata nara pāvahiṃ bhava thāhā..

In the Dvapara age men cross the ocean of worldly existence by adoring the feet of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), there being no other means to do it. In the Kali age, however, men reach the end of mundane existence simply by singing Sri Hari’s praises.

कलिजुग जोग न जग्य न ग्याना। एक अधार राम गुन गाना॥
सब भरोस तजि जो भज रामहि। प्रेम समेत गाव गुन ग्रामहि॥3॥
kalijuga jōga na jagya na gyānā. ēka adhāra rāma guna gānā..
saba bharōsa taji jō bhaja rāmahi. prēma samēta gāva guna grāmahi..

In the age of Kali neither Yoga (concentration of mind), nor the performance of sacrifices nor spiritual wisdom is of any avail; one’s only hope lies in hymning Sri Rama’s praises. Giving up all other hopes, whosoever worships Sri Rama and fondly chants His praises –

सोइ भव तर कछु संसय नाहीं। नाम प्रताप प्रगट कलि माहीं॥
कलि कर एक पुनीत प्रतापा। मानस पुन्य होहिं नहिं पापा॥4॥
sōi bhava tara kachu saṃsaya nāhīṃ. nāma pratāpa pragaṭa kali māhīṃ..
kali kara ēka punīta pratāpā. mānasa punya hōhiṃ nahiṃ pāpā..

-undoubtedly crosses the ocean of transmigration. The power of the Name is thus manifest in the age of Kali. The Kali age possesses another sacred virtue: in this age projected acts of virtue are rewarded, but projected sins are not punished.

दोहा | Dohas:
कलिजुग सम जुग आन नहिं जौं नर कर बिस्वास।
गाइ राम गुन गन बिमल भव तर बिनहिं प्रयास॥103 क॥
kalijuga sama juga āna nahiṃ jauṃ nara kara bisvāsa.
gāi rāma guna gana bimalaom bhava tara binahiṃ prayāsa..103ka.

No other age can compare with the Kali age provided a man has faith (in its virtue); for in this age one can easily cross the ocean of transmigration simply by singing Sri Rama’s holy praises.

प्रगट चारि पद धर्म के कलि महुँ एक प्रधान।
जेन केन बिधि दीन्हें दान करइ कल्यान॥103 ख॥
pragaṭa cāri pada dharma kē kalila mahuom ēka pradhāna.
jēna kēna bidhi dīnhēṃ dāna karai kalyāna..103kha..
Piety has four well-known pillars, of which one is predominant in the Kali: charity practised in any way conduces to one’s spiritual good.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
नित जुग धर्म होहिं सब केरे। हृदयँ राम माया के प्रेरे॥
सुद्ध सत्व समता बिग्याना। कृत प्रभाव प्रसन्न मन जाना॥1॥
nita juga dharma hōhiṃ saba kērē. hṛdayaom rāma māyā kē prērē..
suddha satva samatā bigyānā. kṛta prabhāva prasanna mana jānā..

Prompted by Sri Rama’s delusive potency, the characteristics of all the four Yugas manifest themselves in everyone’s heart everyday. The presence of pure Sattva (harmony), evenness of mind, spiritual insight and the feeling of vivacity in the heart are the effects of Satyayuga.

सत्व बहुत रज कछु रति कर्मा। सब बिधि सुख त्रेता कर धर्मा॥
बहु रज स्वल्प सत्व कछु तामस। द्वापर धर्म हरष भय मानस॥2॥
satva bahuta raja kachu rati karmā. saba bidhi sukha trētā kara dharmā..
bahu raja svalpa satva kachu tāmasa. dvāpara dharma haraṣa bhaya mānasa..

Abundance of Sattva with a slight admixture of Rajas, attachment to action, and happiness of every kind are the characteristics of Treta. Much Rajas, little Sattva, and some Tamas, with a feeling of mingled joy and terror in the heart, are the distinguishing features of Dvapara.

तामस बहुत रजोगुन थोरा। कलि प्रभाव बिरोध चहुँ ओरा॥
बुध जुग धर्म जानि मन माहीं। तजि अधर्म रति धर्म कराहीं॥3॥
tāmasa bahuta rajōguna thōrā. kali prabhāva birōdha cahuom ōrā..
budha juga dharma jāni mana māhīṃ. taji adharma rati dharma karāhīṃ..

A large proportion of Tamas with a slight admixture of Rajas and antagonism everywhere are the effects of Kali. The wise discern the characteristics of the different Yugas in their mind and forswearing unrighteousness devote themselves to piety.

काल धर्म नहिं ब्यापहिं ताही। रघुपति चरन प्रीति अति जाही॥
नट कृत बिकट कपट खगराया। नट सेवकहि न ब्यापइ माया॥4॥
kāla dharma nahiṃ byāpahiṃ tāhī. raghupati carana prīti ati jāhī..
naṭa kṛta bikaṭa kapaṭa khagarāyā. naṭa sēvakahi na byāpai māyā..

The characteristics of the Time-Spirit have no effect on him who is excessively fond of Sri Rama’s feet. The deception practised by a juggler, O king of the birds, is formidable indeed: but the tricks of a juggler cannot deceive his servant.

दोहा | Dohas:
हरि माया कृत दोष गुन बिनु हरि भजन न जाहिं।
भजिअ राम तजि काम सब अस बिचारि मन माहिं॥104 क॥
hari māyā kṛta dōṣa guna binu hari bhajana na jāhiṃ.
bhajia rāma taji kāma saba asa bicāri mana māhiṃ..104ka..

The good and evil, which are the creation of Sri Hari’s delusive potency, cannot be eliminated except through worship of Sri Hari. Bearing this in mind, and forswearing all desire, one should adore Sri Hari.

तेहिं कलिकाल बरष बहु बसेउँ अवध बिहगेस।
परेउ दुकाल बिपति बस तब मैं गयउँ बिदेस॥104 ख॥
tēhi kalikāla baraṣa bahu basēuom avadha bihagēsa.
parēu dukāla bipati basa taba maiṃ gayauom bidēsa..104kha..
In that particular age of Kali, O lord of the winged creatures, I lived in Ayodhya for many years till a famine occurred, when, stricken by adversity, I had to move to another place.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
गयउँ उजेनी सुनु उरगारी। दीन मलीन दरिद्र दुखारी॥
गएँ काल कछु संपति पाई। तहँ पुनि करउँ संभु सेवकाई॥1॥
gayauom ujēnī sunu uragārī. dīna malīna daridra dukhārī..
gaēom kāla kachu saṃpati pāī. tahaom puni karauom saṃbhu sēvakāī..

Listen, O enemy of serpents : I went to Ujjain-miserable, downcast, penniless and afflicted. When sometime had elapsed, I acquired some wealth and after that I began worshipping Lord Sambhu at that very place.

बिप्र एक बैदिक सिव पूजा। करइ सदा तेहि काजु न दूजा॥
परम साधु परमारथ बिंदक। संभु उपासक नहिं हरि निंदक॥2॥
bipra ēka baidika siva pūjā. karai sadā tēhi kāju na dūjā..
parama sādhu paramāratha biṃdaka. saṃbhu upāsaka nahiṃ hari niṃdaka..
There was a Brahmana there who constantly worshipped Lord Siva according to the Vedic rites and had no other occupation. He was an extremely pious soul and a knower of the highest truth, a votary of Lord Sambhu but no reviler of Sri Hari.

तेहि सेवउँ मैं कपट समेता। द्विज दयाल अति नीति निकेता॥
बाहिज नम्र देखि मोहि साईं। बिप्र पढ़ाव पुत्र की नाईं॥3॥
tēhi sēvauom maiṃ kapaṭa samētā. dvija dayāla ati nīti nikētā..
bāhija namra dēkhi mōhi sāīṃ. bipra paḍhaāva putra kī nāīṃ..
I served him though with a guileful heart. The Brahmana was very kind-hearted and an abode of piety. Seeing me outwardly so humble, my Lord, the Brahmana taught me as his own son.

संभु मंत्र मोहि द्विजबर दीन्हा। सुभ उपदेस बिबिधि बिधि कीन्हा॥
जपउँ मंत्र सिव मंदिर जाई। हृदयँ दंभ अहमिति अधिकाई॥4॥
saṃbhu maṃtra mōhi dvijabara dīnhā. subha upadēsa bibidha bidhi kīnhā..
japauom maṃtra siva maṃdira jāī. hṛdayaom daṃbha ahamiti adhikāī..
The great Brahmana imparted to me a mystic formula sacred to Lord Sambhu and gave me every kind of good advice. I used to go to a temple of Lord Siva and repeat the formula there with unbounded ostentation and conceit in my heart.

दोहा | Dohas:
मैं खल मल संकुल मति नीच जाति बस मोह।
हरि जन द्विज देखें जरउँ करउँ बिष्नु कर द्रोह॥105 क॥
maiṃ khala mala saṃkula mati nīca jāti basa mōha.
hari jana dvija dēkhēṃ jarauom karauom biṣnu kara drōha..105ka..

A wretch impure of mind, low-born and overcome by infatuation, I was filled with jealousy at the very sight of a servant of Sri Hari or a Brahmana and hated God Visnu Distressed

सोरठा | Sorthas:
गुर नित मोहि प्रबोध दुखित देखि आचरन मम।
मोहि उपजइ अति क्रोध दंभिहि नीति कि भावई॥105 ख॥
gura nita mōhi prabōdha dukhita dēkhi ācarana mama.
mōhi upajai ati krōdha daṃbhihi nīti ki bhāvaī..105kha..
to see my conduct, my preceptor would admonish me everyday; but on hearing his admonition I burnt with rage. Can sober counsel appeal to a hypocrite?

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
एक बार गुर लीन्ह बोलाई। मोहि नीति बहु भाँति सिखाई॥
सिव सेवा कर फल सुत सोई। अबिरल भगति राम पद होई॥1॥
ēka bāra gura līnha bōlāī. mōhi nīti bahu bhāomti sikhāī..
siva sēvā kara phala suta sōī. abirala bhagati rāma pada hōī..

One day my preceptor called me and taught me wisdom in every possible way; “The sole reward, my son, of worshipping Lord Siva is uninterrupted devotion to Sri Rama’s feet.

रामहि भजहिं तात सिव धाता। नर पावँर कै केतिक बाता॥
जासु चरन अज सिव अनुरागी। तासु द्रोहँ सुख चहसि अभागी॥2॥
rāmahi bhajahiṃ tāta siva dhātā. nara pāvaomra kai kētika bātā..
jāsu carana aja siva anurāgī. tātu drōhaom sukha cahasi abhāgī..
Siva Himself as well as Brahma (the Creator), dear son, adore Sri Rama; of what account, then, is a vile human being ! Do you hope to attain happiness, O wretched soul, by harbouring ill-will to Him whose feet are loved by Brahma and Siva Himself?”

हर कहुँ हरि सेवक गुर कहेऊ। सुनि खगनाथ हृदय मम दहेऊ॥
अधम जाति मैं बिद्या पाएँ। भयउँ जथा अहि दूध पिआएँ॥3॥
hara kahuom hari sēvaka gura kahēū. suni khaganātha hṛdaya mama dahēū..
adhama jāti maiṃ bidyā pāēom. bhayauom jathā ahi dūdha piāēom.

When I heard my Guru speak of Lord Hara as a votary of Sri Hari, my heart, O lord of the feathered kingdom, was all on fire. Vile of descent as I was, the little learning that I had acquired turned my head even as a serpent becomes all the more poisonous when fed on milk.

मानी कुटिल कुभाग्य कुजाती। गुर कर द्रोह करउँ दिनु राती॥
अति दयाल गुर स्वल्प न क्रोधा। पुनि पुनि मोहि सिखाव सुबोधा॥4॥
mānī kuṭila kubhāgya kujātī. gura kara drōha karauom dinu rātī..
ati dayāla gura svalpa na krōdhā. puni puni mōhi sikhāva subōdhā..

Proud, perverse, wretched and low-born, I meditated mischief to my Guru day and night. My Guru, however, was too tenderhearted to have the least anger in him; on the other hand, he gave me good advice time after time.

जेहि ते नीच बड़ाई पावा। सो प्रथमहिं हति ताहि नसावा॥
धूम अनल संभव सुनु भाई। तेहि बुझाव घन पदवी पाई॥5॥
jēhi tē nīca baḍaāī pāvā. sō prathamahiṃ hati tāhi nasāvā..
dhūma anala saṃbhava sunu bhāī. tēhi bujhāva ghana padavī pāī..

The first thing a vile fellow does is to kill and destroy the very man who has been instrumental in exalting him. Listen, brother : smoke, which is produced by fire, extinguishes the latter when it attains to the dignity of a cloud.

रज मग परी निरादर रहई। सब कर पद प्रहार नित सहई॥
मरुत उड़ाव प्रथम तेहि भरई। पुनि नृप नयन किरीटन्हि परई॥6॥
raja maga parī nirādara rahaī. saba kara pada prahāra nita sahaī..
maruta uḍaāva prathama tēhi bharaī. puni nṛpa nayana kirīṭanhi paraī..

The dust lying on the road is held in contempt and is ever trodden under foot by all (the wayfarers). But when carried aloft by the wind, it first envelopes the air itself and then descends on the eyes or diadems of king.

सुनु खगपति अस समुझि प्रसंगा। बुध नहिं करहिं अधम कर संगा॥
कबि कोबिद गावहिं असि नीति। खल सन कलह न भल नहिं प्रीति॥7॥
sunu khagapati asa samujhi prasaṃgā. budha nahiṃ karahiṃ adhama kara saṃgā..
kabi kōbida gāvahiṃ asi nītī. khala sana kalaha na bhala nahiṃ prītī..

Listen, O lord of the winged creatures: realizing this state of things, the wise shun the company of vile men. Seers and learned men have declared this maxim: it is good neither to quarrel with a wretch nor to make friends with him.

उदासीन नित रहिअ गोसाईं। खल परिहरिअ स्वान की नाईं॥
मैं खल हृदयँ कपट कुटिलाई। गुर हित कहइ न मोहि सोहाई॥8॥
udāsīna nita rahia gōsāīṃ. khala pariharia svāna kī nāīṃ..
maiṃ khala hṛdayaom kapaṭa kuṭilāī. gura hita kahai na mōhi sōhāī..

One should always remain aloof from him, my master; a wicked fellow should be avoided even as a dog. Vicious as I was with a heart full of falsehood and perversity, the Guru’s admonition did not appeal to me, even though it was wholesome.

दोहा | Dohas:
एक बार हर मंदिर जपत रहेउँ सिव नाम।
गुर आयउ अभिमान तें उठि नहिं कीन्ह प्रनाम॥106 क॥
ēka bāra hara maṃdira japata rahēuom siva nāma.
gura āyau abhimāna tēṃ uṭhi nahiṃ kīnha pranāma..106ka..

One day I was repeating Siva Name in a temple sacred to Lord Hara, when my Guru came in; but in my pride I did not rise to greet him.

सो दयाल नहिं कहेउ कछु उर न रोष लवलेस।
अति अघ गुर अपमानता सहि नहिं सके महेस॥106 ख॥
sō dayāla nahiṃ kahēu kachu ura na rōṣa lavalēsa.
ati agha gura apamānatā sahi nahiṃ sakē mahēsa..106kha.
He was too gracious to say anything; neither did he feel the least resentment in his heart. But the grievous sin of showing disrespect to a Guru was more than the great Lord Siva could tolerate.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
मंदिर माझ भई नभबानी। रे हतभाग्य अग्य अभिमानी॥
जद्यपि तव गुर के नहिं क्रोधा। अति कृपाल चित सम्यक बोधा॥1
maṃdira mājha bhaī nabha bānī. rē hatabhāgya agya abhimānī..
jadyapi tava gura kēṃ nahiṃ krōdhā. ati kṛpāla cita samyaka bōdhā..

An ethereal voice proceeded from the temple itself: “you wretched and conceited fool, even though your preceptor has no anger in him and he is very tender-hearted and possessed of true and perfect wisdom,

तदपि साप सठ दैहउँ तोही। नीति बिरोध सोहाइ न मोही॥
जौं नहिं दंड करौं खल तोरा। भ्रष्ट होइ श्रुतिमारग मोरा॥2॥
tadapi sāpa saṭha daihauom tōhī. nīti birōdha sōhāi na mōhī..
jauṃ nahiṃ daṃḍa karauṃ khala tōrā. bhraṣṭa hōi śrutimāraga mōrā..

yet, O fool, I must pronounce a curse on you; for any transgression of propriety is loathsome to Me. If I do not punish you, O wretch, the sanctity of My Vedic laws will be violated.

जे सठ गुर सन इरिषा करहीं। रौरव नरक कोटि जुग परहीं॥
त्रिजग जोनि पुनि धरहिं सरीरा। अयुत जन्म भरि पावहिं पीरा॥3॥
jē saṭha gura sana iriṣā karahīṃ. raurava naraka kōṭi juga parahīṃ..
trijaga jōni puni dharahiṃ sarīrā. ayuta janma bhari pāvahiṃ pīrā..

The fools who bear malice against their Guru are cast into the hell named Raurava for a myriad Yugas. After that they take birth in the subhuman species and suffer torment for ten thousand successive existence.

बैठि रहेसि अजगर इव पापी। सर्प होहि खल मल मति ब्यापी॥
महा बिटप कोटर महुँ जाई। रहु अधमाधम अधगति पाई॥4॥
baiṭha rahēsi ajagara iva pāpī. sarpa hōhi khala mala mati byāpī..
mahā biṭapa kōṭara mahuom jāī..rahu adhamādhama adhagati pāī..

Since you remained rooted to your seat like a python, O vile wretch, take the form of a snake; for your mind is steeped in sin. And, condemned to that vile state, O vilest of the vile, go and take up your abode in the hollow of some huge tree.”

दोहा | Dohas:
हाहाकार कीन्ह गुर दारुन सुनि सिव साप।
कंपित मोहि बिलोकि अति उर उपजा परिताप॥107 क॥
hāhākāra kīnha gura dāruna suni siva sāpa..
kaṃpita mōhi bilōki ati ura upajā paritāpa..107ka..

The Guru raised a piteous wail as he heard Lord Siva terrible curse. And when he saw me trembling with fear, deep agony possessed his soul.

करि दंडवत सप्रेम द्विज सिव सन्मुख कर जोरि।
बिनय करत गदगद स्वर समुझि घोर गति मोरि॥107 ख॥
kari daṃḍavata saprēma dvija siva sanmukha kara jōri.
binaya karata gadagada svara samujhi ghōra gati mōri..107kha..
Reflecting on my awful fate, the Brahmana prostrated himself before Lord Siva and, with joined palms and his voice choked with emotion, he prayed as follows:-

छंद :
नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं। विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्म वेदस्वरूपं॥
निजं निर्गुणं निर्विकल्पं निरीहं। चिदाकाशमाकाशवासं भजेऽहं॥1॥
namāmīśamīśāna nirvāṇarūpaṃ. viṃbhuṃ byāpakaṃ brahma vēdasvarūpaṃ.
nijaṃ nirguṇaṃ nirvikalpaṃ nirīṃha. cidākāśamākāśavāsaṃ bhajē.haṃ..

“I adore You, the guardian of the south-east quarter and Ruler of the whole universe, eternal bliss personified, the omnipresent and all-pervading Brahma manifest in the form of the Vedas. I worship Lord Siva, shining in His own glory, devoid of material attributes, undifferentiated, desireless, all-pervading consciousness, having nothing to wrap about Himself except ether (or enveloping ether itself).

निराकारमोंकारमूलं तुरीयं। गिरा ग्यान गोतीतमीशं गिरीशं॥
करालं महाकाल कालं कृपालं। गुणागार संसारपारं नतोऽहं॥2॥
nirākāramōṃkāramūlaṃ turīyaṃ. girā gyāna gōtītamīśaṃ girīśaṃ..
karālaṃ mahākāla kālaṃ kṛpālaṃ. guṇāgāra saṃsārapāraṃ natō.haṃ..

I bow to the supreme Lord, who is devoid of form, transcendent and extra-cosmic, beyond speech, understanding and senseperception, terrible yet gracious, the seed of the mystic syllable OM, the Ruler of Kailasa, the Devourer even of the great Time-Spirit and the abode of virtues. I adore the all-merciful Sankara, the universal Lord, who is loved by all and yet unfathomable,

तुषाराद्रि संकाश गौरं गभीरं। मनोभूत कोटि प्रभा श्रीशरीरं॥
स्फुरन्मौलि कल्लोलिनी चारु गंगा। लसद्भालबालेन्दु कंठे भुजंगा॥3॥
tuṣārādri saṃkāśa gauraṃ gabhīraṃ. manōbhūta kōṭi prabhā śrī śarīraṃ..
sphuranmauli kallōlinī cāru gaṃgā. lasadbhālabālēndu kaṃṭhē bhujaṃgā..

who is possessed of a form white as the snowclad Himalaya, and radiant with the beauty of a myriad Cupids, whose head sparkles with the lovely stream of the Ganga, whose brow is adorned by the crescent moon and neck coiled by serpents,

चलत्कुण्डलं भ्रू सुनेत्रं विशालं। प्रसन्नाननं नीलकंठं दयालं॥
मृगाधीशचर्माम्बरं मुण्डमालं । प्रियं शंकरं सर्वनाथं भजामि॥4॥
calatkuṃḍalaṃ bhrū sunētraṃ viśālaṃ. prasannānanaṃ nīlakaṃṭhaṃ dayālaṃ..
mṛgādhīśacarmāmbaraṃ muṇḍamālaṃ. priyaṃ śaṃkaraṃ sarvanāthaṃ bhajāmi..

who has tremulous pendants hanging from His ear-lobes, is possessed of beautiful eyebrows and large eyes, who has a cheerful countenance and a blue speck on His throat, and who has a lion-skin wrapped round His waist and a garland of skulls round His neck. I take my refuge in Bhavani’s Spouse, the supreme Lord,

प्रचंडं प्रकृष्टं प्रगल्भं परेशं। अखंडं अजं भानुकोटिप्रकाशं॥
त्रयः शूल निर्मूलनं शूलपाणिं। भजेऽहं भवानीपतिं भावगम्यं॥5॥
pracaṃḍaṃ prakṛṣṭaṃ pragalbhaṃ parēśaṃ. akhaṃḍaṃ ajaṃ bhānukōṭiprakāśaṃ..
trayaḥśūla nirmūlanaṃ śūlapāṇiṃ. bhajē.haṃ bhavānīpatiṃ bhāvagamyaṃ..

terrible, exalted, intrepid indivisible, unborn and invested with the glory of a myriad suns, who roots out the threefold agony and holds a trident in His hand and who is accessible only through love.

कलातीत कल्याण कल्पान्तकारी। सदा सज्जनानन्ददाता पुरारी॥
चिदानंद संदोह मोहापहारी। प्रसीद प्रसीद प्रभो मन्मथारी॥6॥
kalātīta kalyāṇa kalpāntakārī. sadā sajjanāndadātā purārī..
cidānaṃdasaṃdōha mōhāpahārī. prasīda prasīda prabhō manmathārī..

Beyond number, ever blessed, bringing about universal destruction at the end of each round of creation, a source of perpetual delight to the virtuous, Slayer of the demon Tripura, Consciousness and Bliss personified, dispeller of delusion, be propitious, my lord, be propitious, O Destroyer of Cupid.

न यावद् उमानाथ पादारविंदं। भजंतीह लोके परे वा नराणां॥
न तावत्सुखं शान्ति सन्तापनाशं। प्रसीद प्रभो सर्वभूताधिवासं॥7॥
na yāvad umānātha pādāravindaṃ. bhajaṃtīha lōkē parē vā narāṇāṃ..
na tāvatsukhaṃ śānti santāpanāśaṃ. prasīda prabhō sarvabhūtādhivāsaṃ..

So long as they worship not the lotus-feet of Uma’s lord, there is no happiness nor peace nor cessation of suffering for men either in this world or in the next. Therefore, be propitious, my lord, dwelling as You do in the heart of all living beings.

न जानामि योगं जपं नैव पूजां। नतोऽहं सदा सर्वदा शंभु तुभ्यं॥
जरा जन्म दुःखोद्य तातप्यमानं॥ प्रभो पाहि आपन्नमामीश शंभो॥8॥
na jānāmi yōgaṃ japaṃ naiva pūjāṃ. natō.haṃ sadā sarvadā śaṃbhu tubhyaṃ..
jarā janma duḥkhaugha tātapyamānaṃ. prabhō pāhi āpannamāmīśa śaṃbhō..

I know not Yoga (concentration), nor Japa (the muttering of prayers) nor ritual. I simply bow to you at all times and at every moment, O Sambhu! Pray, protect me, my lord, miserable and afflicted by sufferings attendant on old age and birth (and death) as I am, O Lord Sambhu!”

श्लोक | Shloka: :
रुद्राष्टकमिदं प्रोक्तं विप्रेण हरतोषये।
ये पठन्ति नरा भक्त्या तेषां शम्भुः प्रसीदति॥9॥
rudrāṣṭakamidaṃ prōktaṃ viprēṇa haratōṣayē.
yē paṭhanti narā bhaktyā tēṣāṃ śambhuḥ prasīdati..

This hymn of eight verses was uttered by the Brahmana in order to propitiate Lord Hara. Sri Sambhu is pleased with those men who devoutly repeat it.

दोहा | Dohas:
सुनि बिनती सर्बग्य सिव देखि बिप्र अनुरागु।
पुनि मंदिर नभबानी भइ द्विजबर बर मागु॥108 क॥
suni binatī sarbagya siva dēkhi bripra anurāgu.
puni maṃdira nabhabānī bhai dvijabara bara māgu..108ka..

The all-wise Siva heard the Brahmana’s prayer and saw his devotion. An ethereal voice issued from the temple again: Ask for a boon, O great Brahmana.”

जौं प्रसन्न प्रभो मो पर नाथ दीन पर नेहु।
निज पद भगति देइ प्रभु पुनि दूसर बर देहु॥108 ख॥
jauṃ prasanna prabhu mō para nātha dīna para nēhu.
nija pada bhagati dēi prabhu puni dūsara bara dēhu..108kha..

“If, my lord, you are pleased with me and if, my master, You are affectionate to the meek, first bless me with devotion to Your feet and then grant me another boon.

तव माया बस जीव जड़ संतत फिरइ भुलान।
तेहि पर क्रोध न करिअ प्रभु कृपासिंधु भगवान॥108 ग॥
tava māyā basa jīva jaḍa saṃtata phirai bhulāna.
tēhi para krōdha na karia prabhu kṛpā siṃdhu bhagavāna..108ga..

Overcome by Your Maya (delusive power) the stupid Jiva (individual soul) constantly wanders (from one womb to another) in error. Therefore, O all-merciful Lord, be not angry with him.

संकर दीनदयाल अब एहि पर होहु कृपाल।
साप अनुग्रह होइ जेहिं नाथ थोरेहीं काल॥108 घ॥
saṃkara dīnadayāla aba ēhi para hōhu kṛpāla.
sāpa anugraha hōi jēhiṃ nātha thōrēhīṃ kāla..108gha..
Now be gracious to this creature, O Sankara, compassionate as You are to the humble, so that Your curse may prove a blessing to him not long afterwards.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
एहि कर होइ परम कल्याना। सोइ करहु अब कृपानिधाना॥
बिप्र गिरा सुनि परहित सानी। एवमस्तु इति भइ नभबानी॥1॥
ēhi kara hōi parama kalyānā. sōi karahu aba kṛpānidhānā..
bipragirā suni parahita sānī. ēvamastu iti bhai nabhabānī..

“Now do that which may bring him supreme blessedness, O fountain of mercy !” On hearing the Brahmana’s words, steeped as they were in charity, the heavenly voice replied : “So be it !

जदपि कीन्ह एहिं दारुन पापा। मैं पुनि दीन्हि कोप करि सापा॥
तदपि तुम्हारि साधुता देखी। करिहउँ एहि पर कृपा बिसेषी॥2॥
jadapi kīnha ēhiṃ dāruna pāpā. maiṃ puni dīnha kōpa kari sāpā..
tadapi tumhāra sādhutā dēkhī. karihauom ēhi para kṛpā bisēṣī..
Although he has committed a grievous sin and I in My wrath have pronounced a curse on him, yet, realizing your goodness, I shall do him a special favour.

छमासील जे पर उपकारी। ते द्विज मोहि प्रिय जथा खरारी॥
मोर श्राप द्विज ब्यर्थ न जाइहि। जन्म सहस अवस्य यह पाइहि॥3॥
chamāsīla jē para upakārī. tē dvija mōhi priya jathā kharārī..
mōra śrāpa dvija byartha na jāihi. janma sahasa avasya yaha pāihi..

O holy Brahmana, they who are of a forgiving disposition and beneficent are as dear to Me as Sri Rama (the Slayer of the demon Khara) Himself. Nonetheless, O Brahmana, My curse shall not go in vain : this fellow shall surely pass through a thousand incarnations.

जनमत मरत दुसह दुख होई। एहि स्वल्पउ नहिं ब्यापिहि सोई॥
कवनेउँ जन्म मिटिहि नहिं ग्याना। सुनहि सूद्र मम बचन प्रवाना॥4॥
janamata marata dusaha dukha hōī. ahi svalpau nahiṃ byāpihi sōī..
kavanēuom janma miṭihi nahiṃ gyānā. sunahi sūdra mama bacana pravānā..

But the terrible agony involved in each successive birth and death shall not affect him in the least. (Turning to me, the voice continued 🙂 Hear, O Sudra, my authentic word : in none of your births shall your awareness (of previous existences) leave you.

रघुपति पुरीं जन्म तव भयऊ। पुनि मैं मम सेवाँ मन दयऊ॥
पुरी प्रभाव अनुग्रह मोरें। राम भगति उपजिहि उर तोरें॥5॥
raghupati purīṃ janma taba bhayaū. puni taiṃ mama sēvāom mana dayaū..
purī prabhāva anugraha mōrēṃ. rāma bhagati upajihi ura tōrēṃ..

(In the first place) You were born in the capital of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), and besides that you set your heart on My worship. Due to the miraculous power of the holy city and by My grace, devotion to Sri Rama shall spring up in your bosom.

सुनु मम बचन सत्य अब भाई। हरितोषन ब्रत द्विज सेवकाई॥
अब जनि करहि बिप्र अपमाना। जानेसु संत अनंत समाना॥6॥
sunu mama bacana satya aba bhāī. haritōṣana brata dvija sēvakāī..
aba jani karahi bipra apamānā. jānēhu saṃta anaṃta samānā..

Now, brother, hear My solemn declaration: a vow to serve the Brahmanas is the surest means of propitiating Sri Hari. Insult the Brahmanas no more and reckon a saint to be on a par with the infinite Lord Himself.

इंद्र कुलिस मम सूल बिसाला। कालदंड हरि चक्र कराला॥
जो इन्ह कर मारा नहिं मरई। बिप्र द्रोह पावक सो जरई॥7॥
iṃdra kulisa mama sūla bisālā. kāladaṃḍa hari cakra karālā..
jō inha kara mārā nahiṃ maraī. bipradrōha pāvaka sō jaraī..

Even he who does not succumb to the stroke of Indra’s thunderbolt, My own mighty trident, the rod of Death and the terrible discus of Sri Hari, is consumed by the fire of hostility with the Brahmanas.

अस बिबेक राखेहु मन माहीं। तुम्ह कहँ जग दुर्लभ कछु नाहीं॥
औरउ एक आसिषा मोरी। अप्रतिहत गति होइहि तोरी॥8॥
asa bibēka rākhēhu mana māhīṃ. tumha kahaom jaga durlabha kachu nāhīṃ..
aurau ēka āsiṣā mōrī. apratihata gati hōihi tōrī.

Treasure up this counsel in your heart, and there will be nothing in this world which may be too difficult for you to attain. I bestow one more blessing on you: you shall have unobstructed access everywhere.”

दोहा | Dohas:
सुनि सिव बचन हरषि गुर एवमस्तु इति भाषि।
मोहि प्रबोधि गयउ गृह संभु चरन उर राखि॥109 क॥
suni siva bacana haraṣi gura ēvamastu iti bhāṣi.
mōhi prabōdhi gayau gṛha saṃbhu carana ura rākhi..109ka..

The Guru rejoiced to hear the word of Lord Siva (as conveyed through the ethereal voice) and cried ‘Amen!’ And after admonishing me he returned home, with the image of Lord Sambhu’s feet impressed upon his heart.

प्रेरित काल बिंधि गिरि जाइ भयउँ मैं ब्याल।
पुनि प्रयास बिनु सो तनु तजेउँ गएँ कछु काल॥109 ख॥
prērita kāla bidhi giri jāi bhayauom maiṃ byāla.
puni prayāsa binu sō tanu jajēuom gaēom kachu kāla..109kha..

Driven by my fate I went to the Vindhya mountains and was (on giving up the ghost) reborn as a serpent and again, when sometime had elapsed, I easily dropped that form.

जोइ तनु धरउँ तजउँ पुनि अनायास हरिजान।
जिमि नूतन पट पहिरइ नर परिहरइ पुरान॥109 ग॥
jōi tanu dharauom tajauom puni anāyāsa harijāna.
jimi nūtana paṭa pahirai nara pariharai purāna..109ga..

Whatever form I assumed, O mount of Sri Hari, dropped again with utmost ease, even as a man would cast off worn-out clothes and put on a new set.

सिवँ राखी श्रुति नीति अरु मैं नहिं पावा क्लेस।
एहि बिधि धरेउँ बिबिधि तनु ग्यान न गयउ खगेस॥109 घ॥
sivaom rākhī śruti nīti aru maiṃ nahiṃ pāvā klēsa.
ēhi bidhi dharēuom bibidha tanu gyāna na gayau khagēsa..109gha..
Lord Siva vindicated the Vedic law, while I was spared the agony (involved in the rounds of birth and death). In this way, O lord of the winged creatures, I assumed various forms; but my understanding never left me.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
त्रिजग देव नर जोइ तनु धरउँ। तहँ तहँ राम भजन अनुसरऊँ॥
एक सूल मोहि बिसर न काऊ। गुर कर कोमल सील सुभाऊ॥1॥
trijaga dēva nara jōi tanu dharauom. tahaom tahaom rāma bhajana anusaraūom..
ēka sūla mōhi bisara na kāū. gura kara kōmala sīla subhāū..

Whatever form I assumed, whether of an irrational being, god or man, I continued to adore Sri Rama even in that form. Yet one thing ever stung my conscience: my Guru’s mild and amiable disposition I could never forget.

चरम देह द्विज कै मैं पाई। सुर दुर्लभ पुरान श्रुति गाई॥
खेलउँ तहूँ बालकन्ह मीला। करउँ सकल रघुनायक लीला॥2॥
carama dēha dvija kai maiṃ pāī. sura durlabha purāna śruti gāī..
khēlauom tahūom bālakanha mīlā. karauom sakala raghunāyaka līlā..

The last body I got was that of a Brahmana, which the Vedas and Puranas declare as difficult even for the gods to attain. Even in that incarnation whenever I joined the other boys for play, I would enact all the pastimes of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) alone.

प्रौढ़ भएँ मोहि पिता पढ़ावा। समझउँ सुनउँ गुनउँ नहिं भावा॥
मन ते सकल बासना भागी। केवल राम चरन लय लागी॥3॥
prauḍha bhaēom mōhi pitā paḍhaāvā. samajhauom sunauom gunauom nahiṃ bhāvā..
mana tē sakala bāsanā bhāgī. kēvala rāma carana laya lāgī.

As I grew up my father gave me lessons (in secular subjects). I tried to understand things, listened to the lessons and reflected on them; yet they failed to attract my mind. All worldly cravings left my soul; I was solely absorbed in the thought of Sri Rama’s feet.

कहु खगेस अस कवन अभागी। खरी सेव सुरधेनुहि त्यागी॥
प्रेम मगन मोहि कछु न सोहाई। हारेउ पिता पढ़ाइ पढ़ाई॥4॥
kahu khagēsa asa kavana abhāgī. kharī sēva suradhēnuhi tyāgī..
prēma magana mōhi kachu na sōhāī. hārēu pitā paḍhaāi paḍhaāī..

Tell me, O lord of the feathered creation: is there anyone so wretched as to give up a cow of plenty and tend a she-ass? Overwhelmed with love I had no charm left for anything and my father was tried of coaching me.

भय कालबस जब पितु माता। मैं बन गयउँ भजन जनत्राता॥
जहँ जहँ बिपिन मुनीस्वर पावउँ। आश्रम जाइ जाइ सिरु नावउँ॥5॥
bhaē kālabasa jaba pitu mātā. maiṃ bana gayauom bhajana janatrātā..
jahaom jahaom bipina munīsvara pāvauom. āśrama jāi jāi siru nāvauom..

When both my father and mother died, I withdrew to the forest in order to worship the Protector of His servants. In the forest wherever I met any great sage I visited his hermitage and bowed my head to him.

बूझउँ तिन्हहि राम गुन गाहा। कहहिं सुनउँ हरषित खगनाहा॥
सुनत फिरउँ हरि गुन अनुबादा। अब्याहत गति संभु प्रसादा॥6॥
būjhata tinhahi rāma guna gāhā. kahahiṃ sunauom haraṣita khaganāhā..
sunata phirauom hari guna anubādā. abyāhata gati saṃbhu prasādā..

I would ask them to recount Sri Rama’svirtues and listened with delight to what they told me. O lord of the winged creatures ! In this way I went about listening to the recital of Sri Hari’s praises. By Sambhu’s grace my movements were unchecked everywhere.

छूटी त्रिबिधि ईषना गाढ़ी। एक लालसा उर अति बाढ़ी॥
राम चरन बारिज जब देखौं। तब निज जन्म सफल करि लेखौं॥7॥
chūṭī tribidha īṣanā gāḍhaī. ēka lālasā ura ati bāḍhaī..
rāma carana bārija jaba dēkhauṃ. taba nija janma saphala kari lēkhauṃ..

The three types of ardent seeking (viz., those for progeny, wealth and fame) left me and one solitary longing grew to inordinate proportions in my heart. “I shall deem the object of my birth accomplished only when I behold Sri Rama’s lotus-feet,” I said to myself.

जेहि पूँछउँ सोइ मुनि अस कहई। ईस्वर सर्ब भूतमय अहई॥
निर्गुन मत नहिं मोहि सोहाई। सगुन ब्रह्म रति उर अधिकाई॥8॥
jēhi pūomchauom sōi muni asa kahaī. īsvara sarba bhūtamaya ahaī..
nirguna mata nahiṃ mōhi sōhāī. saguna brahma rati ura adhikāī..

Every sage I interrogated observed, “God represents the totality of created beings.” But the view which holds God as impersonal did not find favour with me and the love I bore in my heart for the embodied Brahma grew from more to more.

दोहा | Dohas:
गुर के बचन सुरति करि राम चरन मनु लाग।
रघुपति जस गावत फिरउँ छन छन नव अनुराग॥110 क॥
gura kē bacana surati kari rāma carana manu lāga.
raghupati jasa gāvata phirauom chana chana nava anurāga..110ka..

Even as I recalled the words of my erstwhile preceptor my mind conceived a fondness for Rama’s feet and I went about singing the praises of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) with a love which gathered new strength every moment.

मेरु सिखर बट छायाँ मुनि लोमस आसीन।
देखि चरन सिरु नायउँ बचन कहेउँ अति दीन॥110 ख॥
mēru sikhara baṭa chāyāom muni lōmasa āsīna.
dēkhi carana siru nāyauom bacana kahēuom ati dīna..110kha.

On a peak of Mount Meru in the shade of a banyan tree sat the sage Lomasa. On seeing him I bowed at his feet and addressed him in the humblest strain.

सुनि मम बचन बिनीत मृदु मुनि कृपाल खगराज।
मोहि सादर पूँछत भए द्विज आयहु केहि काज॥110 ग॥
suni mama bacana binīta mṛdu muni kṛpāla khagarāja.
mōhi sādara pūomchata bhaē dvija āyahu kēhi kāja..110ga.

When the gracious sage heard my meek and gentle address, O king of the birds, he politely enquired : “For what purpose have you come, O Brahmana?”

तब मैं कहा कृपानिधि तुम्ह सर्बग्य सुजान।
सगुन ब्रह्म अवराधन मोहि कहहु भगवान॥110 घ॥
taba maiṃ kahā kṛpānidhi tumha sarbagya sujāna.
saguna brahma avarādhana mōhi kahahu bhagavāna..110gha..

Thereupon I replied, “O fountain of mercy, you are omniscient and sagacious. Tell me, blessed one, how to worship the embodied supreme Spirit.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
तब मुनीस रघुपति गुन गाथा। कहे कछुक सादर खगनाथा॥
ब्रह्मग्यान रत मुनि बिग्यानी। मोहि परम अधिकारी जानी॥1॥
taba muniṣa raghupati guna gāthā. kahē kachuka sādara khaganāthā..
brahmagyāna rata muni bigyāni. mōhi parama adhikārī jānī..

Thereupon the great sage recounted with reverence a few virtues of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), O lord of the feathered creation. But himself devoted to the knowledge of Brahma (the Absolute), and knowing me to be the fittest person (to be initiated into such knowledge), the enlightened sage-

लागे करन ब्रह्म उपदेसा। अज अद्वैत अगुन हृदयेसा॥
अकल अनीह अनाम अरूपा। अनुभव गम्य अखंड अनूपा॥2॥
lāgē karana brahma upadēsā. aja advēta aguna hṛdayēsā..
akala anīha anāma arupā. anubhava gamya akhaṃḍa anūpā..

-began a sermon on Brahma, the unborn, the One without a second and without attributes, the Ruler of the heart (the inner Controller), incomprehensible, desireless, without name or form, attainable only through realization, indivisible and incomparable,

मन गोतीत अमल अबिनासी। निर्बिकार निरवधि सुख रासी॥
सो तैं ताहि तोहि नहिं भेदा। बारि बीचि इव गावहिं बेदा॥3॥
mana gōtīta amala abināsī. nirbikāra niravadhi sukha rāsī..
sō taiṃ tāhi tōhi nahiṃ bhēdā. bāri bīci iva gāvahi bēdā.

beyond the mind and the senses, immaculate and indestructible, immutable, unlimited and all-blissful : “You are identical with the Brahma referred to above; no more difference exists between Him and you than between a sheet of water and the ripples on its surface: so declare the Vedas.”

बिबिधि भाँति मोहि मुनि समुझावा। निर्गुन मत मम हृदयँ न आवा॥
पुनि मैं कहेउँ नाइ पद सीसा। सगुन उपासन कहहु मुनीसा॥4॥
bibidha bhāomti mōhi muni samujhāvā. nirguna mata mama hṛdayaom na āvā..
puni maiṃ kahēuom nāi pada sīsā. saguna upāsana kahahu munīsā..

The sage instructed me in various ways; but the truth that the individual soul is identical with the attributeless Brahma did not appeal to my heart. Bowing my head at his feet I submitted again, “Kindly tell me how to worship the embodied Brahma, O lord of the sages.

राम भगति जल मम मन मीना। किमि बिलगाइ मुनीस प्रबीना॥
सोइ उपदेस कहहु करि दाया। निज नयनन्हि देखौं रघुराया॥5॥
rāma bhagati jala mama mana mīnā. kimi bilagāi munīsa prabīnā..
sōi upadēsa kahahu kari dāyā. nija nayananhi dēkhauṃ raghurāyā..

My mind takes delight in the worship of Sri Rama even as a fish rejoiees in water; how, then, can it exist without it, O wise lord of the sages? Be gracious, therefore, to teach me the method whereby I may be able to behold the Lord of the Raghus with my own eyes.

भरि लोचन बिलोकि अवधेसा। तब सुनिहउँ निर्गुन उपदेसा॥
मुनि पुनि कहि हरिकथा अनूपा। खंडि सगुन मत अगुन निरूपा॥6॥
bhari lōcana bilōki avadhēsā. taba sunihauom nirguna upadēsā..
muni puni kahi harikathā anūpā. khaṃḍi saguna mata aguna nirūpā..

Having feasted my eyes on the King of Ayodhya I will then listen to your discourse on the attributeless Brahma.” The sage once more recited the incomparable story of Sri Hari; but demolishing the doctrine that the supreme Spirit does appear in an embodied form, he established the proposition that He is ever without attributes.

तब मैं निर्गुन मत कर दूरी। सगुन निरूपउँ करि हठ भूरी॥
उत्तर प्रतिउत्तर मैं कीन्हा। मुनि तन भए क्रोध के चीन्हा॥7॥
taba maiṃ nirguna mata kara dūrī. saguna nirūpauom kari haṭha bhūrī..
uttara pratiuttara maiṃ kīnhā. muni tana bhaē krōdha kē cīnhā..

Thereupon I would set aside the view that God is ever attributeless and establish with great obstinacy the doctrine that He takes an embodied form. When I thus entered into hot discussion with him, signs of resentment appeared on the sage’s person.

सुनु प्रभु बहुत अवग्या किएँ। उपज क्रोध ग्यानिन्ह के हिएँ॥
अति संघरषन जौं कर कोई। अनल प्रगट चंदन ते होई॥8॥
taba maiṃ nirguna mata kara dūrī. saguna nirūpauom kari haṭha bhūrī..
uttara pratiuttara maiṃ kīnhā. muni tana bhaē krōdha kē cīnhā..

Listen, my lord: insolence carried to an excess rouses passion even in the breast of an enlightened soul. Too much friction will produce fire even out of sandal-wood.

दोहा | Dohas:
बारंबार सकोप मुनि करइ निरूपन ग्यान।
मैं अपनें मन बैठ तब करउँ बिबिधि अनुमान॥111 क॥
bāraṃbāra sakōpa muni karai nirupana gyāna.
maiṃ apanēṃ mana baiṭha taba karauom bibidha anumāna..111ka..
Again and again in the heat of passion the sage expatiated on spiritual wisdom, while I sat still and put myself various questions :

क्रोध कि द्वैतबुद्धि बिनु द्वैत कि बिनु अग्यान।
मायाबस परिछिन्न जड़ जीव कि ईस समान॥111 ख॥॥2॥
krōdha ki dvētabuddhi binu dvaita ki binu agyāna.
māyābasa parichinna jaḍa jīva ki īsa samāna..111kha..

“Can there be anger without duality or duality without ignorance? Can an individual soul, dull, finite and subject to Maya, ever be on a par with God?”

कबहुँ कि दुःख सब कर हित ताकें। तेहि कि दरिद्र परस मनि जाकें॥
परद्रोही की होहिं निसंका। कामी पुनि कि रहहिं अकलंका॥1॥
kabahuom ki dukha saba kara hita tākēṃ. tēhi ki daridra parasa mani jākēṃ..
paradrōhī kī hōhiṃ nisaṃkā. kāmī puni ki rahahiṃ akalaṃkā..

“Can suffering ensue from solicitude for others’ well-being? Can anyone possessing the philosopher’s stone suffer from want any longer ? Can the malevolent be free from anxiety? Can the sensualist escape obloquy?

बंस कि रह द्विज अनहित कीन्हें। कर्म की होहिं स्वरूपहि चीन्हें॥
काहू सुमति कि खल सँग जामी। सुभ गति पाव कि परत्रिय गामी॥2॥
baṃsa ki raha dvija anahita kīnhēṃ. karma ki hōhiṃ svarūpahi cīnhēṃ..
kāhū sumati ki khala saomga jāmī. subha gati pāva ki paratriya gāmī..

Can one’s posterity survive even though one has persecuted the Brahmanas? Can one continue to perform actions (with attachment) even after attaining Self-Realization? Has anyone acquired sound wisdom while living in the company of the vicious? Can an adulterer attain a happy destiny?

भव कि परहिं परमात्मा बिंदक। सुखी कि होहिं कबहुँ हरिनिंदक॥
राजु कि रहइ नीति बिनु जानें। अघ कि रहहिं हरिचरित बखानें॥3॥
bhava ki parahiṃ paramātmā biṃdaka. sukhī ki hōhiṃ kabahuom hariniṃdaka..
rāju ki rahai nīti binu jānēṃ. agha ki rahahiṃ haricarita bakhānēṃ..

Can those who have realized God fall again into the ocean of transmigration? Can the revilers of Sri Hari be ever happy? Can a kingdom stand without a knowledge of statecraft? Can sins persist even after one has commenced narrating Sri Hari’s exploits? Can one enjoy sacred renown without religious merit and can anyone earn a bad reputation without a sin?

पावन जस कि पुन्य बिनु होई। बिनु अघ अजस कि पावइ कोई॥
लाभु कि किछु हरि भगति समाना। जेहि गावहिं श्रुति संत पुराना॥4॥
pāvana jasa ki punya binu hōī. binu agha ajasa ki pāvai kōī..
lābhu ki kichu hari bhagati samānā. jēhi gāvahiṃ śruti saṃta purānā..

Is there any gain as valuable as Devotion to Sri Hari, which is glorified alike by saints as well as by the Vedas and Puranas?

हानि कि जग एहि सम किछु भाई। भजिअ न रामहि नर तनु पाई॥
अघ कि पिसुनता सम कछु आना। धर्म कि दया सरिस हरिजाना॥5॥
hāni ki jaga ēhi sama kichu bhāī. bhajia na rāmahi nara tanu pāī..
agha ki pisunatā sama kachu ānā. dharma ki dayā sarisa harijānā..
And, brother, is there any loss in the world as grievous as that of the man who fails to adore Sri Rama even after obtaining a human body? Is there any other sin so bad as backbiting or any virtue so great as compassion, O mount of Sri Hari?”

एहि बिधि अमिति जुगुति मन गुनऊँ। मुनि उपदेस न सादर सुनउँ॥
पुनि पुनि सगुन पच्छ मैं रोपा। तब मुनि बोलेउ बचन सकोपा॥6॥
ēhi bidhi amiti juguti mana gunaūom. muni upadēsa na sādara sunaūom..
puni puni saguna paccha maiṃ rōpā. taba muni bōlēu bacana sakōpā..
In this way I mentally advanced numberless arguments in my favour and did not listen to the sage’s teaching with any reverence. Again and again I maintained the cause of the Saguna form of worship (the worship of an embodied Deity), till at last the sage uttered these angry words :

मूढ़ परम सिख देउँ न मानसि। उत्तर प्रतिउत्तर बहु आनसि॥
सत्य बचन बिस्वास न करही। बायस इव सबही ते डरही॥7॥
mūḍha parama sikha dēuom na mānasi. uttara pratiuttara bahu ānasi..
satya bacana bisvāsa na karahī. bāyasa iva sabahī tē ḍarahī..

“Fool, you refuse to accept the supreme lesson I have been inculcating on you and indulge in endless arguments and counter- arguments. You give no credence to my authentic words and, like a crow, look on everything with distrust !

सठ स्वपच्छ तव हृदयँ बिसाला। सपदि होहि पच्छी चंडाला॥
लीन्ह श्राप मैं सीस चढ़ाई। नहिं कछु भय न दीनता आई॥8॥
saṭha svapaccha taba hṛdayaom bisālā. sapadi hōhi pacchī caṃḍālā..
līnha śrāpa maiṃ sīsa caḍhaāī. nahiṃ kachu bhaya na dīnatā āī..

Fool, you are exceedingly self-opinionated; therefore, you shall at once take the form of a crow (the pariah among birds).” I bowed to the curse prohounced by the sage but felt neither alarmed nor humbled.

दोहा | Dohas:
तुरत भयउँ मैं काग तब पुनि मुनि पद सिरु नाइ।
सुमिरि राम रघुबंस मनि हरषित चलेउँ उड़ाइ॥112 क॥
turata bhayauom maiṃ kāga taba puni muni pada siru nāi.
sumiri rāma raghubaṃsa mani haraṣita calēuom uḍaāi..112ka..

I was immediately transformed into a crow. Thereupon I bowed my head at the sage’s feet again and, fixing my thoughts on Sri Rama, the Jewel of Raghu’s line, joyfully took flight.

उमा जे राम चरन रत बिगत काम मद क्रोध।
निज प्रभुमय देखहिं जगत केहि सन करहिं बिरोध॥112 ख॥
umā jē rāma carana rata bigata kāma mada krōdha..
nija prabhumaya dēkhahiṃ jagata kēhi sana karahiṃ birōdha..112kha..

Uma, (continues Lord Sankara,) they who are devoted to Sri Rama’s feet and are free from lust, vanity and anger look upon the whole word as full of their lord; against whom can they harbour animosity?

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
सुनु खगेस नहिं कछु रिषि दूषन। उर प्रेरक रघुबंस बिभूषन॥
कृपासिंधु मुनि मति करि भोरी। लीन्ही प्रेम परिच्छा मोरी॥1॥
sunu khagēsa nahiṃ kachu riṣi dūṣana. ura prēraka raghubaṃsa bibhūṣana..
kṛpāsiṃdhu muni mati kari bhōrī. līnhi prēma paricchā mōrī..

Listen, O lord of the winged creatures : the sage was in no way at fault; it is Sri Rama (the Ornament of Raghu’s race) who prompts all hearts. The All-merciful put my devotion to the test by clouding the sage’s reason.

मन बच क्रम मोहि निज जन जाना। मुनि मति पुनि फेरी भगवाना॥
रिषि मम महत सीलता देखी। राम चरन बिस्वास बिसेषी॥2॥
mana baca krama mōhi nija jana jānā. muni mati puni phērī bhagavānā..
riṣi mama mahata sīlatā dēkhī. rāma carana bisvāsa bisēṣī..

When He came to know that I was His devoted servant in thought, word and deed, the Lord disabused the saint again. The sage was amazed at my extraordinary forbearance and the unique faith in Sri Rama’s feet and, repenting again and again politely called me back.

अति बिसमय पुनि पुनि पछिताई। सादर मुनि मोहि लीन्ह बोलाई॥
मम परितोष बिबिधि बिधि कीन्हा। हरषित राममंत्र तब दीन्हा॥3॥
ati bisamaya puni puni pachitāī. sādara muni mōhi līnha bōlāī..
mama paritōṣa bibidha bidhi kīnhā. haraṣita rāmamaṃtra taba dīnhā..

He consoled me in everyway and then gladly imparted to me the formula sacred to Sri Rama. The gracious sage also taught me how to meditate on Sri Rama as a child.

बालकरूप राम कर ध्याना। कहेउ मोहि मुनि कृपानिधाना॥
सुंदर सुखद मोहि अति भावा। सो प्रथमहिं मैं तुम्हहि सुनावा॥4॥
bālakarūpa rāma kara dhyānā. kahēu mōhi muni kṛpānidhānā..
suṃdara sukhada mihi ati bhāvā. sō prathamahiṃ maiṃ tumhahi sunāvā..

The form which I was thus taught to fix my thoughts upon, charming and delightful as it was, pleased me much; I have already told you the same.

मुनि मोहि कछुक काल तहँ राखा। रामचरितमानस तब भाषा॥
सादर मोहि यह कथा सुनाई। पुनि बोले मुनि गिरा सुहाई॥5॥
muni mōhi kachuka kāla tahaom rākhā. rāmacaritamānasa taba bhāṣā..
sādara mōhi yaha kathā sunāī. puni bōlē muni girā suhāī..
The sage detained me in his hermitage for sometime and then recited the “Ramacaritamanasa” (the Manasa lake of Sri Rama’s exploits). Having reverently repeated the story the sage then addressed me in the following gracious words :

रामचरित सर गुप्त सुहावा। संभु प्रसाद तात मैं पावा॥
तोहि निज भगत राम कर जानी। ताते मैं सब कहेउँ बखानी॥6॥
rāmacarita sara gupta suhāvā. saṃbhu prasāda tāta maiṃ pāvā..
tōhi nija bhagata rāma kara jānī. tātē maiṃ saba kahēuom bakhānī.

“I discovered this secret and charming lake of Sri Rama’s exploits, dear son, by the grace of Lord Sambhu. I have come to know that you are a beloved devotee of Sri Rama; hence I recited it to you in full.

राम भगति जिन्ह कें उर नाहीं। कबहुँ न तात कहिअ तिन्ह पाहीं॥
मुनि मोहि बिबिधि भाँति समुझावा। मैं सप्रेम मुनि पद सिरु नावा॥7॥
rāma bhagati jinha kēṃ ura nāhīṃ. kabahuom na tāta kahia tinha pāhīṃ..
muni mōhi bibidha bhāomti samujhāvā. maiṃ saprēma muni pada siru nāvā..

Never repeat it, dear child, in the presence of those whose heart is void of devotion to Sri Rama.” The sage admonished me in various ways and I lovingly bowed my head at his feet.

निज कर कमल परसि मम सीसा। हरषित आसिष दीन्ह मुनीसा॥
राम भगति अबिरल उर तोरें। बसिहि सदा प्रसाद अब मोरें॥8॥
nija kara kamala parasi mama sīsā. haraṣita āsiṣa dīnha munīsā..
rāma bhagati abirala ura tōrēṃ. basihi sadā prasāda aba mōrēṃ..

The great sage touched my head with his lotus palm and gladly gave me his blessing : “Henceforth, by my grace, devotion to Sri Rama shall ever abide in your heart and know no interruption.

दोहा | Dohas:
सदा राम प्रिय होहु तुम्ह सुभ गुन भवन अमान।
कामरूप इच्छामरन ग्यान बिराग निधान॥113 क॥
sadā rāma priya hōhu tumha subha guna bhavana amāna.
kāmarūpa icdhāmarana gyāna birāga nidhāna..113ka..

You shall ever be a favourite with Sri Rama and a storehouse of good qualities, free from pride, changing your form at will and choosing your own time for death, and a repository of wisdom and dispassion.

जेहिं आश्रम तुम्ह बसब पुनि सुमिरत श्रीभगवंत।
ब्यापिहि तहँ न अबिद्या जोजन एक प्रजंत॥113 ख॥
jēṃhiṃ āśrama tumha basaba puni sumirata śrībhagavaṃta.
byāpihi tahaom na abidyā jōjana ēka prajaṃta..113kha..

Nay, in whatever hermitage you live with your thought fixed on the Lord, ignorance will have no access within a radius of eight miles from it.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :
काल कर्म गुन दोष सुभाऊ। कछु दुख तुम्हहि न ब्यापिहि काऊ॥
राम रहस्य ललित बिधि नाना। गुप्त प्रगट इतिहास पुराना॥1॥
kāla karma guna dōṣa subhāū. kachu dukha tumhahi na byāpihi kāū..
rāma rahasya lalita bidhi nānā. gupta pragaṭa itihāsa purānā..

“No suffering occasioned by time, fate, merit, demerit or disposition shall ever torment you. The manifold charming mysteries of Sri Rama, that are found mentioned in the chronicles and Puranas either explicitly or implicitly,

बिनु श्रम तुम्ह जानब सब सोऊ। नित नव नेह राम पद होऊ॥
जो इच्छा करिहहु मन माहीं। हरि प्रसाद कछु दुर्लभ नाहीं॥2॥
binu śrama tumha jānaba saba sōū. nita nava nēha rāma pada hōū..
jō icchā karihahu mana māhīṃ. hari prasāda kachu durlabha nāhīṃ..

you will come to know without any difficulty; and the flame of your devotion to Sri Rama’s feet will grow ever brighter and brighter. Whatever longing you may entertain in your mind, you shall have no difficulty in attaining it by the grace of Sri Hari.”

सुनि मुनि आसिष सुनु मतिधीरा। ब्रह्मगिरा भइ गगन गँभीरा॥
एवमस्तु तव बच मुनि ग्यानी। यह मम भगत कर्म मन बानी॥3॥
suni muni āsiṣa sunu matidhīrā. brahmagirā bhai gagana gaombhīrā..
ēvamastu tava baca muni gyānī. yaha mama bhagata karma mana bānī..

On hearing the sage’s benediction, mark me, O Garuda of steadfast reason, a deep voice-which was evidently the voice of the Supreme Spirit-was heard from the heavens: “May your prophesy come to be true, O enlightened sage !

सुनि नभगिरा हरष मोहि भयऊ। प्रेम मगन सब संसय गयऊ॥
करि बिनती मुनि आयसु पाई। पद सरोज पुनि पुनि सिरु नाई॥4॥
suni nabhagirā haraṣa mōhi bhayaū. prēma magana saba saṃsaya gayaū..
kari binatī muni āyasu pāī. pada sarōja puni puni siru nāī..

He is My votary in thought, word and deed.” I rejoiced to hear the heavenly voice and stood overwhelmed with love and rid of all my doubts. On receiving the sage’s permission in response to my prayer I repeatedly bowed my head at his feet-

हरष सहित एहिं आश्रम आयउँ। प्रभु प्रसाद दुर्लभ बर पायउँ॥
इहाँ बसत मोहि सुनु खग ईसा। बीते कलप सात अरु बीसा॥5॥
haraṣa sahita ēhiṃ āśrama āyauom. prabhu prasāda durlabha bara pāyauom..
ihāom basata mōhi sunu khaga īsā. bītē kalapa sāta aru bīsā..

and gladly came away to this hermitage, having obtained by the Lord’s grace a rare boon. Listen, O lord of the feathered creation : I have now lived in this hermitage for seven and twenty rounds of creation.

करउँ सदा रघुपति गुन गाना। सादर सुनहिं बिहंग सुजाना॥
जब जब अवधपुरीं रघुबीरा। धरहिं भगत हित मनुज सरीरा॥6॥
karauom sadā raghupati guna gānā. sādara sunahiṃ bihaṃga sujānā..
jaba jaba avadhapurīṃ raghubīrā. dharahiṃ bhagata hita manuja sarīrā..

I am ever engaged in hymning the praises of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), while enlightened birds reverently listen to them. Each time the Hero of Raghu’s line assumes the form of a man in the city of Ayodhya for the sake of His devotees

तब तब जाइ राम पुर रहऊँ। सिसुलीला बिलोकि सुख लहऊँ॥
पुनि उर राखि राम सिसुरूपा। निज आश्रम आवउँ खगभूपा॥7॥
taba taba jāi rāma pura rahaūom. sisulīlā bilōki sukha lahaūom..
puni ura rākhi rāma sisurūpā. nija āśrama āvauom khagabhūpā..

I go and stay at the capital of Sri Rama and enjoy the spectacle of His childish sports. Again, enshrining an image of the child Rama in my heart I return to my hermitage, O king of the birds.

कथा सकल मैं तुम्हहि सुनाई। काग देहि जेहिं कारन पाई॥
कहिउँ तात सब प्रस्न तुम्हारी। राम भगति महिमा अति भारी॥8॥
kathā sakala maiṃ tumhahi sunāī. kāga dēha jēhiṃ kārana pāī..
kahiuom tāta saba prasna tumhārī. rāma bhagati mahimā ati bhārī..

I go and stay at the capital of Sri Rama and enjoy the spectacle of His childish sports. Again, enshrining an image of the child Rama in my heart I return to my hermitage, O king of the birds.

दोहा | Dohas:
ताते यह तन मोहि प्रिय भयउ राम पद नेह।
निज प्रभु दरसन पायउँ गए सकल संदेह॥114 क॥
tātē yaha tana mōhi priya bhayau rāma pada nēha.
nija prabhu darasana pāyauom gaē sakala saṃdēha..114ka..

I love this body only because it was in this body that devotion to Sri Rama’s feet sprang up in my heart, I was blessed with the sight of my lord and all my doubts vanished.

मासपारायण, उनतीसवाँ विश्राम

 भगति पच्छ हठ करि रहेउँ दीन्हि महारिषि साप।
मुनि दुर्लभ बर पायउँ देखहु भजन प्रताप॥114 ख॥

bhagati paccha haṭha kari rahēuom dīnhi mahāriṣi sāpa.
muni durlabha bara pāyauom dēkhahu bhajana pratāpa..114kha..

I stubbornly upheld the cause of Devotion, for which the great sage Lomasa cursed me; but eventually I obtained a boon which is difficult even for the sages to obtain, Witness the efficacy of adoration.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 जे असि भगति जानि परिहरहीं। केवल ग्यान हेतु श्रम करहीं॥
ते जड़ कामधेनु गृहँ त्यागी। खोजत आकु फिरहिं पय लागी॥1॥

jē asi bhagati jāni pariharahīṃ. kēvala gyāna hētu śrama karahīṃ..
tē jaḍa kāmadhēnu gṛhaom tyāgī. khōjata āku phirahiṃ paya lāgī..

They who knowingly cast aside such Devotion and take pains to acquire mere wisdom are fools who would leave alone the cow of plenty at their own house and knock about in search of the aka plant (the milk-weed) to get milk out of it.

 सुनु खगेस हरि भगति बिहाई। जे सुख चाहहिं आन उपाई॥
ते सठ महासिंधु बिनु तरनी। पैरि पार चाहहिं जड़ करनी॥2॥

sunu khagēsa hari bhagati bihāī. jē sukha cāhahiṃ āna upāī..
tē saṭha mahāsiṃdhu binu taranī. pairi pāra cāhahiṃ jaḍa karanī..

O lord of the winged creatures; the fools who ignore Bhakti and seek happiness by any other means stupidly seek to swim across the ocean without the help of a vessel”.

 

 सुनि भसुंडि के बचन भवानी। बोलेउ गरुड़ हरषि मृदु बानी॥
तव प्रसाद प्रभु मम उर माहीं। संसय सोक मोह भ्रम नाहीं॥3॥

suni bhasuṃḍi kē bacana bhavānī. bōlēu garuḍa haraṣi mṛdu bānī..
tava prasāda prabhu mama ura māhīṃ. saṃsaya sōka mōha bhrama nāhīṃ..

Garuda, O Bhavani, (continues Lord Sankara,) rejoiced to hear Bhusundi’s words and submitted in gentle accents : “By your grace, my lord, doubt, sorrow, error and delusion have disappeared from my heart.

 सुनेउँ पुनीत राम गुन ग्रामा। तुम्हरी कृपाँ लहेउँ बिश्रामा॥
एक बात प्रभु पूँछउँ तोही। कहहु बुझाइ कृपानिधि मोही॥4॥

sunēuom punīta rāma guna grāmā. tumharī kṛpāom lahēuom biśrāmā..
ēka bāta prabhu pūomchauom tōhī. kahahu bujhāi kṛpānidhi mōhī..

I have also listened to the praises of Sri Rama and attained peace of mind by your blessing. My lord, I ask you one question more: pray, explain the whole thing clearly, O ocean of compassion.

 कहहिं संत मुनि बेद पुराना। नहिं कछु दुर्लभ ग्यान समाना॥
सोइ मुनि तुम्ह सन कहेउ गोसाईं। नहिं आदरेहु भगति की नाईं॥5॥

kahahiṃ saṃta muni bēda purānā. nahiṃ kachu durlabha gyāna samānā..
sōi muni tumha sana kahēu gōsāīṃ. nahiṃ ādarēhu bhagati kī nāīṃ..

The saints and sages as well as the Vedas and Puranas declare that there is nothing so difficult of attainment as wisdom. Although the sage (Lomasa) instructed you in the same, my lord, you did not show the same amount of regard for Gnosis as for Devotion.

 ग्यानहि भगतिहि अंतर केता। सकल कहहु प्रभु कृपा निकेता॥
सुनि उरगारि बचन सुख माना। सादर बोलेउ काग सुजाना॥6॥

gyānahi bhagatihi aṃtara kētā. sakala kahahu prabhu kṛpā nikētā..
suni uragāri bacana sukha mānā. sādara bōlēu kāga sujānā..

Explain to me, my gracious lord, all the difference between Gnosis and Devotion.” The sagacious crow was gratified to hear the question of Garuda (the enemy of the serpents) and politely replied,

 भगतिहि ग्यानहि नहिं कछु भेदा। उभय हरहिं भव संभव खेदा॥
नाथ मुनीस कहहिं कछु अंतर। सावधान सोउ सुनु बिहंगबर॥7॥

bhagatihi gyānahi nahiṃ kachu bhēdā. ubhaya harahiṃ bhava saṃbhava khēdā..
nātha munīsa kahahiṃ kachu aṃtara. sāvadhāna sōu sunu bihaṃgabara..

“There is no difference whatsoever between Gnosis and Devotion : both are equally efficacious in relieving the torments of birth and death. Great sages nonetheless point out some difference between the two, my lord: listen to the same with rapt attention,

 ग्यान बिराग जोग बिग्याना। ए सब पुरुष सुनहु हरिजाना॥
पुरुष प्रताप प्रबल सब भाँती। अबला अबल सहज जड़ जाती॥8॥

gyāna birāga jōga bigyānā. ē saba puruṣa sunahu harijānā..
puruṣa pratāpa prabala saba bhāomtī. abalā abala sahaja jaḍa jātī..

O chief of the birds ! Wisdom, dispassion, Yoga (union with God) and Realization-mark me-are all masculine in conception, O mount of Sri Hari ! The might of man is formidable indeed; while a woman is naturally weak and dull by her very birth.

दोहा | Dohas:

 पुरुष त्यागि सक नारिहि जो बिरक्त मति धीर।
न तु कामी बिषयाबस बिमुख जो पद रघुबीर॥115 क॥

puruṣa tyāgi saka nārihi jō birakta mati dhīra..
na tu kāmī biṣayābasa bimukha jō pada raghubīra..115ka..

But that man alone who is unattached and resolute of mind can forwear woman- not the sensual voluptuary, who has turned his face against the feet of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line).

सोरठा | Sorthas:

 सोउ मुनि ग्याननिधान मृगनयनी बिधु मुख निरखि।
बिबस होइ हरिजान नारि बिष्नु माया प्रगट॥115 ख॥

sōu muni gyānanidhāna mṛganayanī bidhu mukha nirakhi.
bibasa hōi harijāna nāri biṣnu māyā pragaṭa..115kha..

But even such an enlightened sage, O mount of Sri Hari, succumbs to the charms of a pretty woman at the very sight of her moon-like face. It is God Visnu’s own Maya (deluding potency) that manifests itself in the form of a woman!

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 इहाँ न पच्छपात कछु राखउँ। बेद पुरान संत मत भाषउँ॥
मोह न नारि नारि कें रूपा। पन्नगारि यह रीति अनूपा॥1॥

ihāom na pacchapāta kachu rākhauom. bēda purāna saṃta mata bhāṣauom..
mōha na nāri nāri kēṃ rūpā. pannagāri yaha rīti anūpā..

Here I do not speak in a partisan spirit, but merely state the view of the Vedas and Puranas as well as of the saints. A woman is never enamoured of another woman’s beauty :

 माया भगति सुनहु तुम्ह दोऊ। नारि बर्ग जानइ सब कोऊ॥
पुनि रघुबीरहि भगति पिआरी। माया खलु नर्तकी बिचारी॥2॥

māyā bhagati sunahu tumha dōū. nāri barga jānai saba kōū..
puni raghubīrahi bhagati piārī. māyā khalu nartakī bicārī..

O enemy of the serpents, is a strange phenomenon. Maya and Bhakti (Devotion), mark me, both belong to the feminine group, as everyone knows. Again, Bhakti is beloved of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line); while poor Maya is a mere dancing girl.

 भगतिहि सानुकूल रघुराया। ताते तेहि डरपति अति माया॥
राम भगति निरुपम निरुपाधी। बसइ जासु उर सदा अबाधी॥3॥

bhagatihi sānukūla raghurāyā. tātē tēhi ḍarapati ati māyā..
rāma bhagati nirupama nirupādhī. basai jāsu ura sadā abādhī..

The Lord of the Raghus is well-disposed towards Bhakti; hence Maya is terribly afraid of her. Nay, Maya shrinks at the very sight of the man in whose heart ever abides unobstructed the peerless and guileless spirit of Devotion,

 तेहि बिलोकि माया सकुचाई। करि न सकइ कछु निज प्रभुताई॥
अस बिचारि जे मुनि बिग्यानी। जाचहिं भगति सकल सुख खानी॥4॥

tēhi bilōki māyā sakucāī. kari na sakai kachu nija prabhutāī..
asa bicāri jē muni bigyānī. jācahīṃ bhagati sakala sukha khānī..

and cannot wield her authority over him. Knowing this, sages who have realized the Truth solicit Bhakti, which is the fountain of all blessings.

दोहा | Dohas:

 यह रहस्य रघुनाथ कर बेगि न जानइ कोइ।
जो जानइ रघुपति कृपाँ सपनेहुँ मोह न होइ॥116 क॥

yaha rahasya raghunātha kara bēgi na jānai kōi.
jō jānai raghupati kṛpāom sapanēhuom mōha na hōi..116ka..

No one can speedily know this secret of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus); but whoever comes to know it by the grace of Raghupati Himself can never fall a prey to infatuation even in a dream.

 औरउ ग्यान भगति कर भेद सुनहु सुप्रबीन।
जो सुनि होइ राम पद प्रीति सदा अबिछीन॥116 ख॥

aurau gyāna bhagati kara bhēda sunahu suprabīna.
jō suni hōi rāma pada prīti sadā abichīna..116kha..

Further hear, most sagacious Garuda, the distinction between Gnosis and Devotion, by hearing which one develops perpetual and uninterrupted love for Sri Rama’s feet.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 सुनहु तात यह अकथ कहानी। समुझत बनइ न जाइ बखानी॥
ईस्वर अंस जीव अबिनासी। चेतन अमल सहज सुख रासी॥1॥

sunahu tāta yaha akatha kahānī. samujhata banai na jāi bakhānī..
īsvara aṃsa jīva abināsī. cētana amala sahaja sukha rāsī..

Listen, dear Garuda, to this unutterable romance, which can only be comprehended by the mind but is incapable of expression. The soul is a particle of the Divinity, immortal, conscious, untainted by Maya and blissful by nature.

 सो मायाबस भयउ गोसाईं। बँध्यो कीर मरकट की नाईं॥
जड़ चेतनहि ग्रंथि परि गई। जदपि मृषा छूटत कठिनई॥2॥

sō māyābasa bhayau gōsāīṃ. baomdhyō kīra marakaṭa kī nāī..
jaḍa cētanahi graṃthi pari gaī. jadapi mṛṣā chūṭata kaṭhinaī..

Such a soul, my lord, has allowed itself to be dominated by Maya and has been caught in its own trap like a parrot or a monkey*. Matter and Spirit have been linked together with a knot which, though imaginary, is difficult to untie.

 तब ते जीव भयउ संसारी। छूट न ग्रंथि न होइ सुखारी॥
श्रुति पुरान बहु कहेउ उपाई। छूट न अधिक अधिक अरुझाई॥3॥

taba tē jīva bhayau saṃsārī. chūṭa na graṃthi na hōi sukhārī..
śruti purāna bahu kahēu upāī. chūṭa na adhika adhika arujhāī..

Since then the soul has become worldly: it can have no happiness till this knot is untied. The Vedas and Puranas have suggested a number of devices for untying the knot; but the knot, far from being resolved, becomes harder and harder.

 जीव हृदयँ तम मोह बिसेषी। ग्रंथि छूट किमि परइ न देखी॥
अस संजोग ईस जब करई। तबहुँ कदाचित सो निरुअरई॥4॥

jīva hṛdayaom tama mōha bisēṣī. graṃthi chūṭa kimi parai na dēkhī..
asa saṃjōga īsa jaba karaī. tabahuom kadācita sō niruaraī..

The interior of the soul being utterly clouded with the darkness of ignorance, the knot cannot even be perceived; how, then, can it be untied? If God were to bring about such conditions (as are depicted below), even then the disentanglement of the knot is problematical.

 सात्विक श्रद्धा धेनु सुहाई। जौं हरि कृपाँ हृदयँ बस आई॥
जप तप ब्रत जम नियम अपारा। जे श्रुति कह सुभ धर्म अचारा॥5॥

sāttvika śraddhā dhēnu suhāī. jauṃ hari kṛpāom hṛdayaom basa āī..
japa tapa brata jama niyama apārā. jē śruti kaha subha dharma acārā..

Suppose by the grace of Sri Hari the blessed cow in the shape of Sattvika (genuine) piety comes to abide in one’s heart and feeds on green herbage in the shape of Japa (muttering of prayers), austere penance, sacred observances, the Yamas or forms of self-restraint (viz., continence, veracity, non-violence, non-stealing and non-possession), the five Niyamas or positive virtues (viz., external and internal purity, contentment, self- study, self-discipline and self-surrender to God) and innumerable other blessed virtues and religious practices recommended by the Vedas.

 तेइ तृन हरित चरै जब गाई। भाव बच्छ सिसु पाइ पेन्हाई॥
नोइ निबृत्ति पात्र बिस्वासा। निर्मल मन अहीर निज दासा॥6॥

tēi tṛna harita carai jaba gāī. bhāva baccha sisu pāi pēnhāī..
nōi nibṛtti pātra bisvāsā. nirmala mana ahīra nija dāsā..

Milk begins to flow from her teats, let us hope, when she is united with her newly-born calf in the form of love. Quietism serves as the cord by which her hind legs are tied (in order to milk her); faith represents the pot in which the cow is milked; while a pure mind, which is at one’s beck and call, plays the role of a milker.

 परम धर्ममय पय दुहि भाई। अवटै अनल अकाम बनाई॥
तोष मरुत तब छमाँ जुड़ावै। धृति सम जावनु देइ जमावै॥7॥

parama dharmamaya paya duhi bhāī. avaṭai anala akāma banāī..
tōṣa maruta taba chamāom juḍaāvai. dhṛti sama jāvanu dēi jamāvai..

Having thus drawn the milk in the shape of supreme righteousness one should boil it, brother, on the fire of desirelessness. When boiled, it should be cooled down with the breath of contentment and forbearance and congealed by mixing with it a little curd in the shape of fortitude and mind-control.

 मुदिताँ मथै बिचार मथानी। दम अधार रजु सत्य सुबानी॥
तब मथि काढ़ि लेइ नवनीता। बिमल बिराग सुभग सुपुनीता॥8॥

muditāom mathaiṃ bicāra mathānī. dama adhāra raju satya subānī..
taba mathi kāḍhai lēi navanītā. bimala birāga subhaga supunītā..

The curd thus made should be churned in the earthen vase of cheerfulness with the churning-stick of reflection after fastening the stick to the host of self-restraint with the cord of truthful and agreeable words; and by this process of churning one should extract the pure, excellent and holy butter of dispassion.

दोहा | Dohas:

 जोग अगिनि करि प्रगट तब कर्म सुभासुभ लाइ।
बुद्धि सिरावै ग्यान घृत ममता मल जरि जाइ॥117 क॥

jōga agini kari pragaṭa taba karma subhāsubha lāi.
buddhi sirāvaiṃ gyāna ghṛta mamatā mala jari jāi..117ka..

After kindling the fire of Yoga (concentration of mind) one’s past Karma, both good and evil, should be consigned to it as fuel, and the butter placed on it. When the scum in the form of worldly attachment is burnt, the ghee (clarified butter) that is left in the form of Gnosis should be cooled down by Buddhi (Reason).

 तब बिग्यानरूपिनी बुद्धि बिसद घृत पाइ।
चित्त दिआ भरि धरै दृढ़ समता दिअटि बनाइ॥117 ख॥

taba bigyānarūpini buddhi bisada ghṛta pāi.
citta diā bhari dharai dṛḍha samatā diaṭi banāi..117kha..

Having obtained this pure ghee (in the form of wisdom), Buddhi, which is of the nature of understanding, should fill with it the lamp of the Citta (reasoning faculty), and making a stand of even-mindedness set the lamp securely there.

 तीनि अवस्था तीनि गुन तेहि कपास तें काढ़ि।
तूल तुरीय सँवारि पुनि बाती करै सुगाढ़ि॥117 ग॥

tīni avasthā tīni guna tēhi kapāsa tēṃ kāḍhai.
tūla turīya saomvāri puni bātī karai sugāḍhai..117ga..

Extracting cotton in the form of the transcendental state out of the boll of the three states of conciousness (viz., waking, dream and dreamless sleep) and the three modes of Prakrti (viz., Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) the same should be carded and fashioned into a strong wick.

सोरठा | Sorthas:

 एहि बिधि लेसै दीप तेज रासि बिग्यानमय।
जातहिं जासु समीप जरहिं मदादिक सलभ सब॥117 घ॥

ēhi bidhi lēsai dīpa tēja rāsi bigyānamaya..
jātahiṃ jāsu samīpa jarahiṃ madādika salabha saba..117gha..

In this manner one should light the glorious lamp of immediate knowledge, by merely approaching which moths in the shape of vanity etc., are all consumed.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 सोहमस्मि इति बृत्ति अखंडा। दीप सिखा सोइ परम प्रचंडा॥
आतम अनुभव सुख सुप्रकासा। तब भव मूल भेद भ्रम नासा॥1॥

sōhamasmi iti bṛtti akhaṃḍā. dīpa sikhā sōi parama pracaṃḍā..
ātama anubhava sukha suprakāsā. taba bhava mūla bhēda bhrama nāsā..

The constant awareness that “I am the same (Brahma)” represents the most dazzling flame of the lamp. In this way when the bliss of Self-Realization sheds its bright lustre, the error of duality, the root of worldly existence, is dispersed

 प्रबल अबिद्या कर परिवारा। मोह आदि तब मिटइ अपारा॥
तब सोइ बुद्धि पाइ उँजिआरा। उर गृहँ बैठि ग्रंथि निरुआरा॥2॥

prabala abidyā kara parivārā. mōha ādi tama miṭai apārā..
taba sōi buddhi pāi uomjiārā. ura gṛhaom baiṭhi graṃthi niruārā..

and the infinite darkness of infatuation etc.- which forms the family of Avidya (Nescience)-disappears. Having thus procured a light, the Buddhi referred to above sits in the chamber of the heart to untie the ligature (that binds the Spirit with Matter).

 छोरन ग्रंथि पाव जौं सोई। तब यह जीव कृतारथ होई॥
छोरत ग्रंथ जानि खगराया। बिघ्न नेक करइ तब माया॥3॥

chōrana graṃthi pāva jauṃ sōī. taba yaha jīva kṛtāratha hōī..
chōrata graṃthi jāni khagarāyā. bighna anēka karai taba māyā..

The soul can hope to attain its object only in the event of Buddhi succeeding in untying it. But when Maya, O king of the birds, finds her attempting to untie the knot, she creates many difficulties.

 रिद्धि-सिद्धि प्रेरइ बहु भाई। बुद्धिहि लोभ दिखावहिं आई॥
कल बल छल करि जाहिं समीपा। अंचल बात बुझावहिं दीपा॥4॥

riddhi siddhi prērai bahu bhāī. buddhahi lōbha dikhāvahiṃ āī..
kala bala chala kari jāhiṃ samīpā. aṃcala bāta bujhāvahiṃ dīpā..

She sends forth, brother, a number of §Rddhis and Siddhis (riches and supernatural powers in their embodied forms), that try to excite her cupidity. By artifice, force or fraud they approach her and put off the light by fanning it with the end of their garment.

 होइ बुद्धि जौं परम सयानी। तिन्ह तन चितव न अनहित जानी॥
जौं तेहि बिघ्न बुद्धि नहिं बाधी। तौ बहोरि सुर करहिं उपाधी॥5॥

hōi buddhi jauṃ parama sayānī. tinha tana citava na anahita jānī..
jauṃ tēhi bighna buddhi nahiṃ bādhī. tau bahōri sura karahiṃ upādhī..

If the Buddhi happens to be most sagacious, she refuses even to look at them considering them to be her enemies. If these impediments fail to distract her, the gods next proceed to create trouble.

 इंद्री द्वार झरोखा नाना। तहँ तहँ सुर बैठे करि थाना॥
आवत देखहिं बिषय बयारी। ते हठि देहिं कपाट उघारी॥6॥

iṃdrīṃ dvāra jharōkhā nānā. tahaom tahaom sura baiṭhē kari thānā..
āvata dēkhahiṃ biṣaya bayārī. tē haṭhi dēhī kapāṭa ughārī..

The various appertures of the body that locate the five senses are so many windows in the chamber of the heart, each of which is presided over by a god. Even as they find the gust of sensuality entering the chamber the gods wantonly throw the shutters of these appertures wide open.

 जब सो प्रभंजन उर गृहँ जाई। तबहिं दीप बिग्यान बुझाई॥
ग्रंथि न छूटि मिटा सो प्रकासा। बुद्धि बिकल भइ बिषय बतासा॥7॥

jaba sō prabhaṃjana ura gṛhaom jāī. tabahiṃ dīpa bigyāna bujhāī..
graṃthi na chūṭi miṭā sō prakāsā. buddhi bikala bhai biṣaya batāsā..

As soon as the blast penetrates the chamber of the heart the light of immediate knowledge gets extinguished. In this way while the ligature binding the Spirit with Matter remains untied, the light (of Self-Realization) also disappears and the understanding gets bewildered when buffetted by the blast of sensuality.

 इंद्रिन्ह सुरन्ह न ग्यान सोहाई। बिषय भोग पर प्रीति सदाई॥
बिषय समीर बुद्धि कत भोरी। तेहि बिधि दीप को बार बहोरी॥8॥

iṃdrinha suranha na gyāna sōhāī. biṣaya bhōga para prīti sadāī..
biṣaya samīra buddhi kṛta bhōrī. tēhi bidhi dīpa kō bāra bahōrī..

Gnosis is welcome neither to the senses nor the gods presiding over them, who are ever fond of sensuous enjoyments. And the Buddhi too having been distracted by the blast of sensuality, who can light the lamp again as before?

दोहा | Dohas:

 तब फिरि जीव बिबिधि बिधि पावइ संसृति क्लेस।
हरि माया अति दुस्तर तरि न जाइ बिहगेस॥118 क॥

taba phiri jīva bibidha bidhi pāvai saṃsṛti klēsa.
hari māyā ati dustara tari na jāi bihagēsa..118ka..

(When the light of wisdom is thus extinguished) the soul then goes again through the manifold agonies of transmigration. Sri Hari’s deluding potency, O lord of the winged creatures, is most difficult to cross: it cannot easily be crossed over.

 कहत कठिन समुझत कठिन साधत कठिन बिबेक।
होइ घुनाच्छर न्याय जौं पुनि प्रत्यूह अनेक॥118 ख॥

kahata kaṭhina samujhata kaṭhina sādhana kaṭhina bibēka.
hōi ghunācchara nyāya jauṃ puni pratyūha anēka..118kha..

Gnosis is difficult to expound,difficult to grasp and difficult to achive through practice. And if by chance one succeeds in attaining it, there are many impediments in the way of preserving it.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 ग्यान पंथ कृपान कै धारा। परत खगेस होइ नहिं बारा॥
जो निर्बिघ्न पंथ निर्बहई। सो कैवल्य परम पद लहई॥1॥

gyāna paṃtha kṛpāna kai dhārā. parata khagēsa hōi nahiṃ bārā..
jō nirbighna paṃtha nirbahaī. sō kaivalya parama pada lahaī..

The path of wisdom is like the edge of a sword : one is apt to fall from it very soon, O king of the birds. He alone who successfully treads it attains to the supreme state of final emancipation.

 अति दुर्लभ कैवल्य परम पद। संत पुरान निगम आगम बद॥
राम भजत सोइ मुकुति गोसाईं। अनइच्छित आवइ बरिआईं॥2॥

ati durlabha kaivalya parama pada. saṃta purāna nigama āgama bada..
rāma bhajata sōi mukuti gōsāī. anaicchita āvai bariāī..

But this supreme state of final beatitude is most difficult to attain, so declare the saints as well as the Puranas, Vedas and agamas (Tantras). By worshipping Sri Rama, my lord, the same beatitude comes unsolicited even against our will.

 जिमि थल बिनु जल रहि न सकाई। कोटि भाँति कोउ करै उपाई॥
तथा मोच्छ सुख सुनु खगराई। रहि न सकइ हरि भगति बिहाई॥3॥

jimi thala binu jala rahi na sakāī. kōṭi bhāomti kōu karai upāī..
tathā mōccha sukha sunu khagarāī. rahi na sakai hari bhagati bihāī..

Water cannot stay except on land notwithstanding our best efforts; even so, mark you, O king of the birds, the joy of final beatitude cannot stay apart from Devotion to Sri Hari.

 अस बिचारि हरि भगत सयाने। मुक्ति निरादर भगति लुभाने॥
भगति करत बिनु जतन प्रयासा। संसृति मूल अबिद्या नासा॥4॥

asa bicāri hari bhagata sayānē. mukti nirādara bhagati lubhānē..
bhagati karata binu jatana prayāsā. saṃsṛti mūla abidyā nāsā..

Realizing this, the wise devotees of Sri Hari spurn final emancipation and remain enamoured of Devotion. By practising Devotion ignorance, which is the root of metempsychosis, is eradicated without any effort or exertion,

भोजन करिअ तृपिति हित लागी। जिमि सो असन पचवै जठरागी॥
असि हरि भगति सुगम सुखदाई। को अस मूढ़ न जाहि सोहाई॥5॥

bhōjana karia tṛpiti hita lāgī. jimi sō asana pacavai jaṭharāgī..
asi haribhagati sugama sukhadāī. kō asa mūḍha na jāhi sōhāī..

in the same way as we eat for our own gratification but the gastric fire digests the food so eaten (without any effort on our part). What fool is there who does not welcome such Devotion to Sri Hari, which is so easy and delightful at the same time?

दोहा | Dohas:

 सेवक सेब्य भाव बिनु भव न तरिअ उरगारि।
भजहु राम पद पंकज अस सिद्धांत बिचारि॥119 क॥

sēvaka sēbya bhāva binu bhava na taria uragāri..
bhajahu rāma pada paṃkaja asa siddhāṃta bicāri..119ka..

The ocean of transmigration, O enemy of serpents, cannot be crossed without cultivating the same feeling of Sri Rama as a servant cherishes towards his master. Knowing this to be the established doctrine, adore the lotus feet of Sri Rama.

 जो चेतन कहँ जड़ करइ जड़हि करइ चैतन्य।
अस समर्थ रघुनायकहि भजहिं जीव ते धन्य॥119 ख॥

jō cētana kahaom jaḍa karai jaḍahi karai caitanya.
asa samartha raghunāyakahiṃ bhajahiṃ jīva tē dhanya..119kha..

The Lord of the Raghus can make the animate inanimate and the inanimate animate: the souls that adore such an omnipotent lord are blessed indeed.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 कहेउँ ग्यान सिद्धांत बुझाई। सुनहु भगति मनि कै प्रभुताई॥
राम भगति चिंतामनि सुंदर। बसइ गरुड़ जाके उर अंतर॥1॥

kahēuom gyāna siddhāṃta bujhāī. sunahu bhagati mani kai prabhutāī..
rāma bhagati ciṃtāmani suṃdara. basai garuḍa jākē ura aṃtara..

I have expounded at length the established doctrine relating to Gnosis; hear now the virtue of Devotion, which has been likened to a jewel. The beautiful wish-yielding gem of Devotion to Sri Rama is an embodiment of supreme effulgence,

परम प्रकास रूप दिन राती। नहिं कछु चहिअ दिआ घृत बाती॥
मोह दरिद्र निकट नहिं आवा। लोभ बात नहिं ताहि बुझावा॥2॥

parama prakāsa rūpa dina rātī. nahiṃ kachu cahia diā ghṛta bātī..
mōha daridra nikaṭa nahiṃ āvā. lōbha bāta nahiṃ tāhi bujhāvā..

which sheds its radiance day and night, requiring neither a vessel nor clarified butter nor a wick (to light it). He in whose heart, O Garuda, such a jewel abides is not haunted by poverty in the shade of infatuation. No blast of greed can ever extinguish this light, which dispels the overpowering gloom of ignorance and the swarms of moths (in the shape of vanity etc.,)

 प्रबल अबिद्या तम मिटि जाई। हारहिं सकल सलभ समुदाई॥
खल कामादि निकट नहिं जाहीं। बसइ भगति जाके उर माहीं॥3॥

prabala abidyā tama miṭi jāī. hārahiṃ sakala salabha samudāī..
khala kāmādi nikaṭa nahiṃ jāhīṃ. basai bhagati jākē ura māhīṃ.

which dispels the overpowering gloom of ignorance and the swarms of moths (in the shape of vanity etc.,) keep away from it in a mood of frustration. Nay, vicious propensities like lust dare not approach him in whose heart the gem of Devotion abides.

 गरल सुधासम अरि हित होई। तेहि मनि बिनु सुख पाव न कोई॥
दब्यापहिं मानस रोग न भारी। जिन्ह के बस सब जीव दुखारी॥4॥

garala sudhāsama ari hita hōī. tēhi mani binu sukha pāva na kōī..
byāpahiṃ mānasa rōga na bhārī. jinha kē basa saba jīva dukhārī..

For him venom is transformed into ambrosia and enemies turn into friends; nobody can attain happiness without this jewel. Again, he is never attacked by the terrible mental diseases from which all living beings are grievously suffering.

 राम भगति मनि उर बस जाकें। दुख लवलेस न सपनेहुँ ताकें॥
चतुर सिरोमनि तेइ जग माहीं। जे मनि लागि सुजतन कराहीं॥5॥

rāma bhagati mani ura basa jākēṃ. dukha lavalēsa na sapanēhuom tākēṃ..
catura sirōmani tēi jaga māhīṃ. jē mani lāgi sujatana karāhīṃ..

He in whose heart the gem of Devotion to Sri Rama abides cannot have the least woe even in a dream. They alone are paragons of wisdom in this world; who spare no pains to secure this gem.

 सो मनि जदपि प्रगट जग अहई। राम कृपा बिनु नहिं कोउ लहई॥
सुगम उपाय पाइबे केरे। नर हतभाग्य देहिं भटभेरे॥6॥

sō mani jadapi pragaṭa jaga ahaī. rāma kṛpā binu nahiṃ kōu lahaī..
sugama upāya pāibē kērē. nara hatabhāgya dēhiṃ bhaṭamērē..

Although this jewel is manifest in the world, none can find it without the grace of Sri Rama. There are easy devices for finding it, but luckless souls attempt harder methods.

 पावन पर्बत बेद पुराना। राम कथा रुचिराकर नाना॥
मर्मी सज्जन सुमति कुदारी। ग्यान बिराग नयन उरगारी॥7॥

pāvana parbata bēda purānā. rāma kathā rucirākara nānā..
marmī sajjana sumati kudārī. gyāna birāga nayana uragārī..

The Vedas and Puranas represent holy mountains; and the stories of Sri Rama, the many glorious mines located in their midst. The saints are the expert minerologists and their penetrating intellect, the pickaxe; while spiritual wisdom and dispassion, Garuda, are the two eyes (surveying the mines).

 भाव सहित खोजइ जो प्रानी। पाव भगति मनि सब सुख खानी॥
मोरें मन प्रभु अस बिस्वासा। राम ते अधिक राम कर दासा॥8॥

bhāva sahita khōjai jō prānī. pāva bhagati mani saba sukha khānī..
mōrēṃ mana prabhu asa bisvāsā. rāma tē adhika rāma kara dāsā..

Any creature who looks for it with faith succeeds in discovering the gem of Devotion, a mine of all blessings. I have this conviction in my heart, my lord, that a servant of Sri Rama is greater than Sri Rama Himself.

 राम सिंधु घन सज्जन धीरा। चंदन तरु हरि संत समीरा॥
सब कर फल हरि भगति सुहाई। सो बिनु संत न काहूँ पाई॥9॥

rāma siṃdhu ghana sajjana dhīrā. caṃdana taru hari saṃta samīrā..
saba kara phala hari bhagati suhāī. sō binu saṃta na kāhūom pāī..

While Sri Rama is the ocean, the wise saints are like the rain-clouds; or (to use another metaphor) while Sri Hari is the sandal-tree, the saints represent the winds (that diffuse its perfume). Devotion to Sri Hari, which is so delightful, is the reward of all spiritual endeavours; none has ever secured it except through a saint.

 अस बिचारि जोइ कर सतसंगा। राम भगति तेहि सुलभ बिहंगा॥10॥

asa bicāri jōi kara satasaṃgā. rāma bhagati tēhi sulabha bihaṃgā..

Devotion to Sri Hari, which is so delightful, is the reward of all spiritual endeavours; none has ever secured it except through a saint.

दोहा | Dohas:

 ब्रह्म पयोनिधि मंदर ग्यान संत सुर आहिं।
कथा सुधा मथि काढ़हिं भगति मधुरता जाहिं॥120 क॥

brahma payōnidhi maṃdara gyāna saṃta sura āhiṃ.
kathā sudhā mathi kāḍhahiṃ bhagati madhuratā jāhiṃ..120ka..

The Vedas are compared to the ocean (of milk); spiritual wisdom plays the role of Mount Mandara; while saints are the gods who churn out nectar in the form of the sacred legends; and Devotion represents its sweetness.

 बिरति चर्म असि ग्यान मद लोभ मोह रिपु मारि।
जय पाइअ सो हरि भगति देखु खगेस बिचारि॥120 ख॥

birati carma asi gyāna mada lōbha mōha ripu māri.
jaya pāia sō hari bhagati dēkhu khagēsa bicāri..120kha..

Using Dispassion as a shield (for self-defence) and slaying with the sword of wisdom enemies in the form of vanity, greed and infatuation, it is Devotion to Sri Hari that triumphs; ponder and realize this, O king of the birds.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 पुनि सप्रेम बोलेउ खगराऊ। जौं कृपाल मोहि ऊपर भाऊ॥।
नाथ मोहि निज सेवक जानी। सप्त प्रस्न मम कहहु बखानी॥1॥

puni saprēma bōlēu khagarāū. jauṃ kṛpāla mōhi ūpara bhāū..
nātha mōhi nija sēvaka jānī. sapta prasna kahahu bakhānī..

Garuda (the king of the birds) further submitted in loving tones : “If you cherish fondness for me, my gracious master, kindly recognize me as your servant, and answer me the following seven questions.

 प्रथमहिं कहहु नाथ मतिधीरा। सब ते दुर्लभ कवन सरीरा॥
बड़ दुख कवन कवन सुख भारी। सोउ संछेपहिं कहहु बिचारी॥2॥

prathamahiṃ kahahu nātha matidhīrā. saba tē durlabha kavana sarīrā..
baḍa dukha kavana kavana sukha bhārī. sōu saṃchēpahiṃ kahahu bicārī..

Tell me, first of all, my strong-minded master; which form of all is the most difficult to obtain? Next consider and tell me briefly which is the greatest misery and which again is the highest pleasure.

 संत असंत मरम तुम्ह जानहु। तिन्ह कर सहज सुभाव बखानहु॥
कवन पुन्य श्रुति बिदित बिसाला। कहहु कवन अघ परम कराला॥3॥

saṃta asaṃta marama tumha jānahu. tinha kara sahaja subhāva bakhānahu..
kavana punya śruti bidita bisālā. kahahu kavana agha parama karālā..

You know the essential characteristics of the saints and the evil-minded; therefore, describe their innate disposition. Also tell me which is the highest religious merit made known in the Vedas and which, again, is the most terrible sin.

 मानस रोग कहहु समुझाई। तुम्ह सर्बग्य कृपा अधिकाई॥
तात सुनहु सादर अति प्रीती। मैं संछेप कहउँ यह नीती॥4॥

mānasa rōga kahahu samujhāī. tumha sarbagya kṛpā adhikāī..
tāta sunahu sādara ati prītī. maiṃ saṃchēpa kahauom yaha nītī..

Further tell me in unambiguous terms the diseases of the mind, omniscient as you are and richly endowed with compassion.” “Listen, dear Garuda, with reverence and rapt attention while I tell you briefly my views on these questions.

नर तन सम नहिं कवनिउ देही। जीव चराचर जाचत तेही॥
नरक स्वर्ग अपबर्ग निसेनी। ग्यान बिराग भगति सुभ देनी॥5॥

nara tana sama nahiṃ kavaniu dēhī. jīva carācara jācata tēhī..
naraga svarga apabarga nisēnī. gyāna birāga bhagati subha dēnī..

There is no other form as good as the human body: every living creature-whether animate or inanimate-craves for it. It is the ladder that takes the soul either to hell or to heaven or again to final beatitude, and is the bestower of blessings in the form of wisdom, dispassion and Devotion.

 सो तनु धरि हरि भजहिं न जे नर। होहिं बिषय रत मंद मंद तर॥
काँच किरिच बदलें ते लेहीं। कर ते डारि परस मनि देहीं॥6॥

sō tanu dhari hari bhajahiṃ na jē nara. hōhiṃ biṣaya rata maṃda maṃda tara..
kāomca kirica badalēṃ tē lēhī. kara tē ḍāri parasa mani dēhīṃ..

Men who fail to adore Sri Hari even after obtaining this body, and wallow in the basest pleasures of sense, throw away the philosopher’s stone from the palm of their hand and take bits of glass in exchange for the same.

 नहिं दरिद्र सम दुख जग माहीं। संत मिलन सम सुख जग नाहीं॥
पर उपकार बचन मन काया। संत सहज सुभाउ खगराया॥7॥

nahiṃ daridra sama dukha jaga māhīṃ. saṃta milana sama sukha jaga nāhīṃ..
para upakāra bacana mana kāyā. saṃta sahaja subhāu khagarāyā..

There is no misery in this world as terrible as poverty and no blessing as great as communion with saints. Beneficence in thought, word and deed is the innate disposition of saints, O king of the birds.

 संत सहहिं दुख पर हित लागी। पर दुख हेतु असंत अभागी॥
भूर्ज तरू सम संत कृपाला। पर हित निति सह बिपति बिसाला॥8॥

saṃta sahahiṃ dukha parahita lāgī. paradukha hētu asaṃta abhāgī..
bhūrja tarū sama saṃta kṛpālā. parahita niti saha bipati bisālā..

The saints undergo suffering in the interest of others while impious wretches do so with a view to tormenting others. Tender-hearted saints, like the birch tree, submit to the greatest torture (even allow their skin to be peeled off) for the good of others;

 सन इव खल पर बंधन करई। खाल कढ़ाई बिपति सहि मरई॥
खल बिनु स्वारथ पर अपकारी। अहि मूषक इव सुनु उरगारी॥9॥

sana iva khala para baṃdhana karaī. khāla kaḍhaāi bipati sahi maraī..
khala binu svāratha para apakārī. ahi mūṣaka iva sunu uragārī..

while the wicked, like the hemp, have their skin flayed off and perish in agony in order to be able to bind others (in the form of cords). Listen, O enemy of serpents: like the rat and the serpent, the wicked injure others without any gain to themselves.

 पर संपदा बिनासि नसाहीं। जिमि ससि हति हिम उपल बिलाहीं॥
दुष्ट उदय जग आरति हेतू। जथा प्रसिद्ध अधम ग्रह केतू॥10॥

para saṃpadā bināsi nasāhīṃ. jimi sasi hati hima upala bilāhīṃ..
duṣṭa udaya jaga ārati hētū. jathā prasiddha adhama graha kētū..

Having destroyed others’ prosperity they perish themselves, even as the hail dissolves after destroying the crops. The elevation of the wicked, like the rising of a comet-which is a detestable heavenly body-is a source of calamity to the world.

 संत उदय संतत सुखकारी। बिस्व सुखद जिमि इंदु तमारी॥
परम धर्म श्रुति बिदित अहिंसा। पर निंदा सम अघ न गरीसा॥11॥

saṃta udaya saṃtata sukhakārī. bisva sukhada jimi iṃdu tamārī..
parama dharma śruti bidita ahiṃsā. para niṃdā sama agha na garīsā..

The advancement of a saint, on the other hand, is ever conducive to joy, even as the rising of the sun and the moon brings delight to the whole universe. A vow of non-violence is the highest religious merit known to the Vedas; and there is no sin as grievous as speaking ill of others.

 हर गुर निंदक दादुर होई। जन्म सहस्र पाव तन सोई॥
द्विज निंदक बहु नरक भोग करि। जग जनमइ बायस सरीर धरि॥12॥

hara gura niṃdaka dādura hōī. janma sahastra pāva tana sōī..
dvija niṃdaka bahu naraka bhōga kari. jaga janamai bāyasa sarīra dhari..

A reviler of Lord Hara and his own preceptor takes the form of a frog (after his death) and his birth in that form is repeated a thousand times. A reviler of the Brahmanas, after suffering tortures in a number of hells, is born on earth in the form of a crow.

 सुर श्रुति निंदक जे अभिमानी। रौरव नरक परहिं ते प्रानी॥
होहिं उलूक संत निंदा रत। मोह निसा प्रिय ग्यान भानु गत॥13॥

sura śruti niṃdaka jē abhimānī. raurava naraka parahiṃ tē prānī..
hōhiṃ ulūka saṃta niṃdā rata. mōha nisā priya gyāna bhānu gata..

Those conceited souls who revile the gods and the Vedas are cast into the hell known as Raurava. They who delight in vilifying the saints are reborn as owls, who love the night of error and for whom the sun of wisdom has set.

 सब कै निंदा जे जड़ करहीं। ते चमगादुर होइ अवतरहीं॥
सुनहु तात अब मानस रोगा। जिन्ह ते दुख पावहिं सब लोगा॥14॥

saba kē niṃdā jē jaḍa karahīṃ. tē camagādura hōi avatarahīṃ..
sunahu tāta aba mānasa rōgā. jinha tē dukha pāvahiṃ saba lōgā..

The fools who censure all are reborn as bats. Note now, dear Garuda, the diseases of the mind, from which everyone suffers.

 मोह सकल ब्याधिन्ह कर मूला। तिन्ह ते पुनि उपजहिं बहु सूला॥
काम बात कफ लोभ अपारा। क्रोध पित्त नित छाती जारा॥15॥

mōha sakala byādhinha kara mūlā. tinha tē puni upajahiṃ bahu sūlā..
kāma bāta kapha lōbha apārā. krōdha pitta nita chātī jārā..

Infatuation is the root of all ailments and from these again arise many other troubles. Lust is a counterpart of wind and inordinate greed corresponds to an abundance of phlegm; while anger represents bile, which constantly burns the breast.

 प्रीति करहिं जौं तीनिउ भाई। उपजइ सन्यपात दुखदाई॥
बिषय मनोरथ दुर्गम नाना। ते सब सूल नाम को जाना॥16॥

prīti karahiṃ jauṃ tīniu bhāī. upajai sanyapāta dukhadāī..
biṣaya manōratha durgama nānā. tē saba sūla nāma kō jānā..

Should all these three combine, there results what is known as Sannipata (a derangement of the aforesaid three humours of the body, causing fever which is of a dangerous type). The cravings for the manifold pleasures of the sense, so difficult to realize, are the various distempers, which are too numerous to name.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 ममता दादु कंडु इरषाई। हरष बिषाद गरह बहुताई॥
पर सुख देखि जरनि सोइ छई। कुष्ट दुष्टता मन कुटिलई॥17॥

mamatā dādu kaṃḍu iraṣāī. haraṣa biṣāda garaha bahutāī..
para sukha dēkhi jarani sōi chaī. kuṣṭa duṣṭatā mana kuṭilaī..

The feeling of mineness corresponds to ringworms, envy represents itches while joy and grief correspond to a disease of the throat marked by an excessive enlargement of its glands. Grudging contemplation of others’ happiness represents consumption; while wickedness and perversity of soul correspond to leprosy.

 अहंकार अति दुखद डमरुआ। दंभ कपट मद मान नेहरुआ॥
तृस्ना उदरबृद्धि अति भारी। त्रिबिधि ईषना तरुन तिजारी॥18॥

ahaṃkāra ati dukhada ḍamaruā. daṃbha kapaṭa mada māna nēharuā..
tṛsnā udarabṛddhi ati bhārī. tribidha īṣanā taruna tijārī..

Egotism is a counterpart of the most painful gout; while hypocrisy, deceit, arrogance and pride correspond to the disease known as Dracontiasis (which is marked by the presence in the body of a parasite known as the guinea-worm). Thirst for enjoyment represents the most advanced type of dropsy; while the three types of craving (those for progeny, riches and honour) correspond to the violent quartan fever.

 जुग बिधि ज्वर मत्सर अबिबेका। कहँ लगि कहौं कुरोग अनेका॥19॥

juga bidhi jvara matsara abibēkā. kahaom lāgi kahauṃ kurōga anēkā..

Jealousy and thoughtlessness are the two types of fever. There are many more fell diseases, too numerous to mention.

दोहा | Dohas:

 एक ब्याधि बस नर मरहिं ए असाधि बहु ब्याधि।
पीड़हिं संतत जीव कहुँ सो किमि लहै समाधि॥121 क॥

ēka byādhi basa nara marahiṃ ē asādhi bahu byādhi.
pīḍahiṃ saṃtata jīva kahuom sō kimi lahai samādhi..121ka..

People die even of one disease; while I have spoken of many incurable diseases which constantly torment the soul. How, then, can it find peace?

 नेम धर्म आचार तप ग्यान जग्य जप दान।
भेषज पुनि कोटिन्ह नहिं रोग जाहिं हरिजान॥121 ख॥

nēma dharma ācāra tapa gyāna jagya japa dāna.
bhēṣaja puni kōṭinha nahiṃ rōga jāhiṃ harijāna..121kha..

There are sacred vows and religious observances and practices, austere penance, spiritual wisdom, sacrifices, Japa (muttering of prayers), charity and myriads of other remedies too; but the maladies just enumerated do not yield to these, O mount of Sri Hari.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 एहि बिधि सकल जीव जग रोगी। सोक हरष भय प्रीति बियोगी॥
मानस रोग कछुक मैं गाए। हहिं सब कें लखि बिरलेन्ह पाए॥1॥

ēhi bidhi sakala jīva jaga rōgī. sōka haraṣa bhaya prīti biyōgī..
mānaka rōga kachuka maiṃ gāē. hahiṃ saba kēṃ lakhi biralēnha pāē..

Thus every creature in this world is ailing and is further afflicted with grief and joy, fear, love and desolation. I have mentioned only a few diseases of the mind; although everyone is suffering from them, few are able to detect them.

 जाने ते छीजहिं कछु पापी। नास न पावहिं जन परितापी॥
बिषय कुपथ्य पाइ अंकुरे। मुनिहु हृदयँ का नर बापुरे॥2॥

jānē tē chījahiṃ kachu pāpī. nāsa na pāvahiṃ jana paritāpī..
biṣaya kupathya pāi aṃkurē. munihu hṛdayaom kā nara bāpurē..

These wretches, the plague of mankind, diminish to a certain extent on being detected, but are not completely destroyed. Fed by the unwholesome diet of sensuality they sprout even in the mind of sages, to say nothing of poor mortals.

 राम कृपाँ नासहिं सब रोगा। जौं एहि भाँति बनै संजोगा॥
सदगुर बैद बचन बिस्वासा। संजम यह न बिषय कै आसा॥3॥

rāma kṛpāom nāsahi saba rōgā. jauṃ ēhi bhāomti banai saṃyōgā..
sadagura baida bacana bisvāsā. saṃjama yaha na biṣaya kai āsā..

All these ailments can no doubt be eradicated if by Sri Rama’s grace the following factors combine. There must be faith in the words of the physician in the form of a true preceptor; and the regimen is indifference to the pleasures of sense.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 रघुपति भगति सजीवन मूरी। अनूपान श्रद्धा मति पूरी॥
एहि बिधि भलेहिं सो रोग नसाहीं। नाहिं त जतन कोटि नहिं जाहीं॥4॥

raghupati bhagati sajīvana mūrī. anūpāna śraddhā mati pūrī..
ēhi bidhi bhalēhiṃ sō rōga nasāhīṃ. nāhiṃ ta jatana kōṭi nahiṃ jāhīṃ..

Devotion to the Lord of the Raghus is the life-giving herb (to be used as a recipe); while a devout mind serves as the vehicle in which it is taken. By this process the ailments can certainly be eradicated; otherwise all our efforts will fail to get rid of them.

 जानिअ तब मन बिरुज गोसाँई। जब उर बल बिराग अधिकाई॥
सुमति छुधा बाढ़इ नित नई। बिषय आस दुर्बलता गई॥5॥

jānia taba mana biruja gōsāomī. jaba ura bala birāga adhikāī..
sumati chudhā bāḍhai nita naī. biṣaya āsa durbalatā gaī..

The mind should be accounted as cured, my lord, only when the heart gathers strength in the form of dispassion, appetite in the shape of good resolutions grows stronger and stronger everyday and weakness in the form of sensual appetite goes.

 बिमल ग्यान जल जब सो नहाई। तब रह राम भगति उर छाई॥
सिव अज सुक सनकादिक नारद। जे मुनि ब्रह्म बिचार बिसारद॥6॥

bimala gyāna jala jaba sō nahāī. taba raha rāma bhagati ura chāī..
siva aja suka sanakādika nārada. jē muni brahma bicāra bisārada..

(Being thus rid of all diseases) when the soul bathes in the pure water of wisdom, the heart is saturated with Devotion to Sri Rama. Lord Siva, Brahma (the Unborn), Sanaka and his three brothers, Narada and other sages who are adept in the investigation of Brahma,

 सब कर मत खगनायक एहा। करिअ राम पद पंकज नेहा॥
श्रुति पुरान सब ग्रंथ कहाहीं। रघुपति भगति बिना सुख नाहीं॥7॥

saba kara mata khaganāyaka ēhā. karia rāma pada paṃkaja nēhā..
śruti purāna saba graṃtha kahāhīṃ. raghupati bhagati binā sukha nāhīṃ..

O lord of the winged creatures, that one should cultivate devotion to the lotus-feet of Sri Rama. The Vedas and Puranas and all other scriptures declare that there can be no happiness without practising devotion to the Lord of the Raghus.

 कमठ पीठ जामहिं बरु बारा। बंध्या सुत बरु काहुहि मारा॥
फूलहिं नभ बरु बहुबिधि फूला। जीव न लह सुख हरि प्रतिकूला॥8॥

kamaṭha pīṭha jāmahiṃ baru bārā. baṃdhyā suta baru kāhuhi mārā..
phūlahiṃ nabha baru bahubidhi phūlā. jīva na laha sukha hari pratikūlā..

It would be easier for the hair to grow on the shell of a tortoise, or for the progeny of a barren woman to slay anyone or for flowers of every description to appear in the air than for any creature to be happy even though hostile to Sri Hari.

 तृषा जाइ बरु मृगजल पाना। बरु जामहिं सस सीस बिषाना॥
अंधकारु बरु रबिहि नसावै। राम बिमुख न जीव सुख पावै॥9॥

tṛṣā jāi baru mṛgajala pānā. baru jāmahiṃ sasa sīsa biṣānā..
aṃdhakāru baru rabihi nasāvai. rāma bimukha na jīva sukha pāvai..

Sooner shall thirst be slaked by drinking of a mirage or horns sprout on a hare’s head or darkness efface the sun than a creature who has turned his face against Sri Rama find happiness.

 हिम ते अनल प्रगट बरु होई। बिमुख राम सुख पाव न कोई॥10॥

hima tē anala pragaṭa baru hōī. bimukha rāma sukha pāva na kōī..

Sooner shall fire appear out of ice than an enemy of Sri Rama enjoy happiness.

दोहा | Dohas:

 बारि मथें घृत होइ बरु सिकता ते बरु तेल।
बिनु हरि भजन न तव तरिअ यह सिद्धांत अपेल॥122 क॥

ubāri mathēṃ ghṛta hōi baru sikatā tē baru tēla.
binu hari bhajana na bhava taria yaha siddhāṃta apēla..122ka..

Sooner shall butter be churned out of water or oil be extracted from sand than the ocean of worldly existence be crossed without adoring Sri Hari : this is a conclusion which cannot be set aside.

 मसकहि करइ बिरंचि प्रभु अजहि मसक ते हीन।
अस बिचारि तजि संसय रामहि भजहिं प्रबीन॥122 ख॥

masakahi karai biṃraṃci prabhu ajahi masaka tē hīna.
asa bicāri taji saṃsaya rāmahi bhajahiṃ prabīna..122kha..

The Lord can exalt a mosquito to the position of Brahma (the Creator) and degrade Brahma to a position lower than that of a mosquito. Realizing this, the wise discard all doubt and worship Sri Rama.

श्लोक | Shloka: :

 विनिश्चितं वदामि ते न अन्यथा वचांसि मे।
हरिं नरा भजन्ति येऽतिदुस्तरं तरन्ति ते॥122 ग॥

vinicśritaṃ vadāmi tē na anyathā vacāṃsi mē.
hariṃ narā bhajanti yē.tidustaraṃ taranti tē..122ga..

I tell You my considered view and my words can never be untrue: men who worship Sri Rama are able to cross the most turbulent ocean of mundane existence.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 कहेउँ नाथ हरि चरित अनूपा। ब्यास समास स्वमति अनुरूपा॥
श्रुति सिद्धांत इहइ उरगारी। राम भजिअ सब काज बिसारी॥1॥

kahēuom nātha hari carita anūpā. byāsa samāsa svamati anurupā..
śruti siddhāṃta ihai uragārī. rāma bhajia saba kāja bisārī..

I have narrated, my lord, the incomparable story of Sri Hari according to my own now briefly and now in detail. The conclusion of the Vedas, O enemy of serpents, is just this: forgetting all other duties Sri Rama alone should be adored.

 प्रभु रघुपति तजि सेइअ काही। मोहि से सठ पर ममता जाही॥
तुम्ह बिग्यानरूप नहिं मोहा। नाथ कीन्हि मो पर अति छोहा॥2॥

prabhu raghupati taji sēia kāhī. mōhi sē saṭha para mamatā jāhī..
tumha bigyānarūpa nahiṃ mōhā. nātha kīnhi mō para ati chōhā..

 Who else is worth serving, if you renounce the almighty, Lord of the Raghus, who regards even a fool like me as His own. You are wisdom incarnate and have no infatuation; on the other hand, you have done me a unique favour, my lord,

 पूँछिहु राम कथा अति पावनि। सुक सनकादि संभु मन भावनि॥
सत संगति दुर्लभ संसारा। निमिष दंड भरि एकउ बारा॥3॥

pūchihuom rāma kathā ati pāvani. suka sanakādi saṃbhu mana bhāvani..
sata saṃgati durlabha saṃsārā. nimiṣa daṃḍa bhari ēkau bārā..

in that you asked me to repeat the most sacred story of Sri Rama, which delights the soul of sages like Suka, Sanaka and others, as well as of Lord Sambhu. The fellowship of saints is difficult to get in this world, be it for the twinkling of an eye or for half an hour even for once.

 देखु गरु़ड़ निज हृदयँ बिचारी। मैं रघुबीर भजन अधिकारी॥
सकुनाधम सब भाँति अपावन। प्रभु मोहि कीन्ह बिदित जग पावन॥4॥

dēkhu garuḍa nija hṛdayaom bicārī. maiṃ raghubīra bhajana adhikārī..
sakunādhama saba bhāomti apāvana. prabhu mōhi kīnha bidita jaga pāvana..

Ponder in your heart, Garuda, and see for yourself whether I am competent in anyway to worship the Hero of Raghu’s line. The vilest of birds and impure in everyway as I was, the Lord has made me known as a purifier of the world.

दोहा | Dohas:

 आजु धन्य मैं धन्य अति जद्यपि सब बिधि हीन।
निज जन जानि राम मोहि संत समागम दीन॥123 क॥

āju dhanya maiṃ dhanya ati jadyapi saba bidhi hīna.
nija jana jāni rāma mōhi saṃta samāgama dīna..123ka..

Though vile in everyway, I am blessed, most blessed today, in that Sri Rama has acknowledged me as one of His own servants and therefore vouchsafed to me the fellowship of a saint (like you).

 नाथ जथामति भाषेउँ राखेउँ नहिं कछु गोइ।
चरित सिंधु रघुनायक थाह कि पावइ कोइ॥123 ख॥

nātha jathāmati bhāṣēuom rākhēuom nahiṃ kachu gōi.
carita siṃdhu raghunāyaka thāha ki pāvai kōi..123..

My lord, I have spoken to the best of my ability and have concealed nothing. But the story of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) is vast as an ocean: can anyone find the bottom of it ?

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 सुमिरि राम के गुन गन नाना। पुनि पुनि हरष भुसुंडि सुजाना॥
महिमा निगम नेत करि गाई। अतुलित बल प्रताप प्रभुताई॥1॥

sumiri rāma kē guna gana nānā. puni puni haraṣa bhusuṃḍi sujānā..
mahimā nigama nēti kari gāī. atulita bala pratāpa prabhutāī..

The wise Kakabhusundi rejoiced again and again as he pondered Sri Rama’s manifold virtues. That I should enjoy the grace of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), whose glory is sung by the Vedas only in negative terms as “not that,” whose might, majesty and glory are unequalled

 सिव अज पूज्य चरन रघुराई। मो पर कृपा परम मृदुलाई॥
अस सुभाउ कहुँ सुनउँ न देखउँ। केहि खगेस रघुपति सम लेखउँ॥2॥

siva aja pūjya carana raghurāī. mō para kṛpā parama mṛdulāī..
asa subhāu kahuom sunauom na dēkhauom. kēhi khagēsa raghupati sama lēkhauom..

and whose feet are worthy of adoration even to Lord Siva and Brahma (the Unborn, Creator)-betrays His supreme tenderness of heart. Nowhere have I heard of, much less seen, such a kind disposition: to whom shall I compare the Lord of the Raghus, O chief of the birds?

 साधक सिद्ध बिमुक्त उदासी। कबि कोबिद कृतग्य संन्यासी॥
जोगी सूर सुतापस ग्यानी। धर्म निरत पंडित बिग्यानी॥3॥

sādhaka siddha bimukta udāsī. kabi kōbida kṛtagya saṃnyāsī..
jōgī sūra sutāpasa gyānī. dharma nirata paṃḍita bigyānī..

Strivers and perfect souls, the liberated and the unworldly-minded, the seers and learned men, those knowing the secrets of Karma (duty) and those who have renounced all action, Yogis (mystics), and valiant heroes, great ascetics and wise men, pious souls and men of erudition and even men who have realized the Self-

 तरहिं न बिनु सेएँ मम स्वामी। राम नमामि नमामि नमामी॥
सरन गएँ मो से अघ रासी। होहिं सुद्ध नमामि अबिनासी॥4॥

tarahiṃ na binu sēēom mama svāmī. rāma namāmi namāmi namāmī..
sarana gaēom mō sē agha rāsī. hōhiṃ suddha namāmi abināsī..

none of these can cross the ocean of mundane existence without adoring my lord, Sri Rama, to whom I bow again and again and yet again. I bow once more to that imperishable Lord by approaching whom for shelter even sinful souls like me get purified.

दोहा | Dohas:

 जासु नाम भव भेषज हरन घोर त्रय सूल
सो कृपाल मोहि तो पर सदा रहउ अनुकूल॥124 क॥

jāsu nāma bhava bhēṣaja harana ghōra traya sūla.
sō kṛpālu mōhi tō para sadā rahau anukūla..124ka..

“He whose name is an unfailing remedy for the disease of birth and death and alleviates the three kinds of terrible pain-may that gracious Lord remain propitious both to me and to you.”

 सुनि भुसुंडि के बचन सुभ देखि राम पद नेह।
बोलेउ प्रेम सहित गिरा गरुड़ बिगत संदेह॥124 ख॥

suni bhusuṃḍi kē bacana subha dēkhi rāma pada nēha.
bōlēu prēma sahita girā garuḍa bigata saṃdēha..124kha..

On hearing Bhusundi’s blessed discourse and perceiving his devotion to Sri Rama’s feet, Garuda, who was now rid of all doubt, replied in endearing terms:-

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 मैं कृतकृत्य भयउँ तव बानी। सुनि रघुबीर भगति रस सानी॥
राम चरन नूतन रत भई। माया जनित बिपति सब गई॥1॥

mai kṛtkṛtya bhayauom tava bānī. suni raghubīra bhagati rasa sānī..
rāma carana nūtana rati bhaī. māyā janita bipati saba gaī..

“I have attained the object of my life now that I have listened to your discourse, imbued with the nectar of Devotion to Sri Rama’s feet. My love for Sri Rama’s feet has been renewed and the trouble created by Maya (the Lord’s deluding potency) has all ended.

 मोह जलधि बोहित तुम्ह भए। मो कहँ नाथ बिबिध सुख दए॥
मो पहिं होइ न प्रति उपकारा। बंदउँ तव पद बारहिं बारा॥2॥

mōha jaladhi bōhita tumha bhaē. mō kahaom nātha bibidha sukha daē..
mō pahiṃ hōi na prati upakārā. baṃdauom tava pada bārahiṃ bārā..

You have been a vessel to me, drifting as I was in the ocean of infatuation and have afforded me delight in various ways, my lord. I am, however, incapable of repaying my obligation to you and simply adore your feet again and again.

 पूरन काम राम अनुरागी। तुम्ह सम तात न कोउ बड़भागी॥
संत बिटप सरिता गिरि धरनी। पर हित हेतु सबन्ह कै करनी॥3॥

pūrana kāma rāma anurāgī. tumha sama tāta na kōu baḍabhāgī..
saṃta biṭapa saritā giri dharanī. para hita hētu sabanha kai karanī..

You are fully satiated and a lover of Sri Rama; no one is so blessed as you, venerable sir. Saints, trees, rivers, mountains and the earth, all these operate for the good of others.

 संत हृदय नवनीत समाना। कहा कबिन्ह परि कहै न जाना॥
निज परिताप द्रवइ नवनीता। पर सुख द्रवहिं संत सुपुनीता॥4॥

saṃta hṛdaya navanīta samānā. kahā kabinha pari kahai na jānā..
nija paritāpa dravai navanītā. para dukha dravahiṃ saṃta supunītā..

The poets have declared the heart of a saint to be soft as butter; but they did not know what should be said. For, while butter melts only when the same is heated on fire, the holy saints melt at the suffering of others.

 जीवन जन्म सफल मम भयऊ। तव प्रसाद संसय सब गयऊ॥
जानेहु सदा मोहि निज किंकर। पुनि पुनि उमा कहइ बिहंगबर॥5॥

jīvana janma suphala mama bhayaū. tava prasāda saṃsaya saba gayaū..
jānēhu sadā mōhi nija kiṃkara. puni puni umā kahai bihaṃgabara..

My life and birth into this world have both been rewarded and by your grace all my doubts have fled. Ever regard me as your own servant.” Again and again did the chief of the birds speak thus, O Uma.

दोहा | Dohas:

तासु चरन सिरु नाइ करि प्रेम सहित मतिधीर।
गयउ गरुड़ बैकुंठ तब हृदयँ राखि रघुबीर॥125 क॥

tāsu carana siru nāi kari prēma sahita matidhīra.
gayau garuḍa baikuṃṭha taba hṛdayaom rākhi raghubīra..125ka..

Lovingly bowing his head at Kakabhusundi’s feet, Garuda, who was so resolute of purpose, then flew away to Vaikuntha (the divine abode of Lord Visnu), with an image of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line) imprinted on his heart.

 गिरिजा संत समागम सम न लाभ कछु आन।
बिनु हरि कृपा न होइ सो गावहिं बेद पुरान॥125 ख॥

girijā saṃta samāgama sama na lābha kachu āna.
binu hari kṛpā na hōi sō gāvahiṃ bēda purāna..125kha..

Girija, there is no gain so valuable as the fellowship of saints; the same, however, cannot be had without the grace of Sri Hari : so declare the Vedas and Puranas.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 कहेउँ परम पुनीत इतिहासा। सुनत श्रवन छूटहिं भव पासा॥
प्रनत कल्पतरु करुना पुंजा। उपजइ प्रीति राम पद कंजा॥1॥

kahēuom parama punīta itihāsā. sunata śravana chūṭahiṃ bhava pāsā..
pranata kalpataru karunā puṃjā. upajai prīti rāma pada kaṃjā..

I have thus repeated the most sacred narrative, by hearing which one is freed from the bonds of worldly existence and comes to have devotion to the lotus-feet of the All-merciful Sri Rama, who is a wish-yielding tree to the suppliant.

मन क्रम बचन जनित अघ जाई। सुनहिं जे कथा श्रवन मन लाई॥
तीर्थाटन साधन समुदाई। जोग बिराग ग्यान निपुनाई॥2॥

mana krama bacana janita agha jāī. sunahiṃ jē kathā śravana mana lāī..
tīrthāṭana sādhana samudāī. jōga birāga gyāna nipunāī..

Again, they who listen to this narrative attentively are absolved of sins committed with the mind, speech or body. Pilgrimages to sacred places and other means of self-purification, perfection in Yoga (mind-control), dispassion and wisdom,

 नाना कर्म धर्म ब्रत दाना। संजम दम जप तप मख नाना॥
भूत दया द्विज गुर सेवकाई। बिद्या बिनय बिबेक बड़ाई॥3॥

nānā karma dharma brata dānā. saṃjama dama japa tapa makha nānā..
bhūta dayā dvija gura sēvakāī. bidyā binaya bibēka baḍaāī..

sacred rites and religious practices, vows and charitable acts of various kinds, self-denial and self-control, Japa (muttering of prayers) and austere penance, performing manifold sacrifices, compassion to all living beings, ministering to the Brahmanas and one’s preceptor, learning, modesty, right judgment and nobility of mind and character, in short,

 जहँ लगि साधन बेद बखानी। सब कर फल हरि भगति भवानी॥
सो रघुनाथ भगति श्रुति गाई। राम कृपाँ काहूँ एक पाई॥4॥

jahaom lagi sādhana bēda bakhānī. saba kara phala hari bhagati bhavānī..
sō raghunātha bhagati śruti gāī. rāma kṛpāom kāhūom ēka pāī..

all the expedients extolled in the Vedas, Bhavani, have but one reward-Devotion to Sri Hari. Such devotion to the Lord of the Raghus as has been glorified in the Vedas is attained to by some rare soul by the grace of Sri Rama Himself.

दोहा | Dohas:

 मुनि दुर्लभ हरि भगति नर पावहिं बिनहिं प्रयास।
जे यह कथा निरंतर सुनहिं मानि बिस्वास॥126॥

muni durlabha hari bhagati nara pāvahiṃ binahiṃ prayāsa.
jē yaha kathā niraṃtara sunahiṃ māni bisvāsa..126..

Although such devotion to Sri Hari is scarce attainable even by the sages, it can be easily attained by men who constantly listen to this story with faith.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 सोइ सर्बग्य गुनी सोइ ग्याता। सोइ महि मंडित पंडित दाता॥
धर्म परायन सोइ कुल त्राता। राम चरन जा कर मन राता॥1॥

sōi sarbagya gunī sōi gyātā. sōi mahi maṃḍita paṃḍita dātā..
dharma parāyana sōi kula trātā. rāma carana jā kara mana rātā..

Whose mind is devoted to the feet of Sri Rama, he alone is omniscient and accomplished, he alone is wise, he alone is an ornament of the globe, learned and munificent, he alone is pious and he the saviour of his race,

नीति निपुन सोइ परम सयाना। श्रुति सिद्धांत नीक तेहिं जाना॥
सोइ कबि कोबिद सोइ रनधीरा। जो छल छाड़ि भजइ रघुबीरा॥2॥

nīti nipuna sōi parama sayānā. śruti siddhāṃta nīka tēhiṃ jānā..
sōi kabi kōbida sōi ranadhīrā. jō chala chāḍai bhajai raghubīrā..

He alone is perfect in correct behaviour and most sagacious, he alone has thoroughly grasped the conclusion of the Vedas, and he alone is a seer, a man of erudition, and staunch in battle, who adores the Hero of Raghu’s line in a guileless spirit.

 धन्य देस सो जहँ सुरसरी। धन्य नारि पतिब्रत अनुसरी॥
धन्य सो भूपु नीति जो करई। धन्य सो द्विज निज धर्म न टरई॥3॥

dhanya dēsa sō jahaom surasarī. dhanya nāri patibrata anusarī..
dhanya sō bhūpu nīti jō karaī. dhanya sō dvija nija dharma na ṭaraī..

Blessed is the land where flows the celestial stream (the Ganga); blessed the wife who observes a vow of fidelity to her husband. Blessed is the monarch who administers justice; blessed the Brahmana who swerves not from his duty.

 सो धन धन्य प्रथम गति जाकी। धन्य पुन्य रत मति सोइ पाकी॥
धन्य घरी सोइ जब सतसंगा। धन्य जन्म द्विज भगति अभंगा॥4॥

dhanya dēsa sō jahaom surasarī. dhanya nāri patibrata anusarī..
dhanya sō bhūpu nīti jō karaī. dhanya sō dvija nija dharma na ṭaraī..

Blessed is the wealth which is used to the best advantage;* blessed is the intellect and ripe too, which is devoted to pious acts. Blessed is the hour which is spent in communion with saints; blessed the birth in which one practises unceasing devotion to the twice-born (the Brahmanas).

दोहा:

 सो कुल धन्य उमा सुनु जगत पूज्य सुपुनीत।
श्रीरघुबीर परायन जेहिं नर उपज बिनीत॥127॥

sō kula dhanya umā sunu jagata pūjya supunīta.
śrīraghubīra parāyana jēhiṃ nara upaja binīta..127..

Listen, Uma : blessed is the family, worthy of adoration for the whole world and most hallowed too, in which is born an humble devotee of the illustrious Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line) .

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 मति अनुरूप कथा मैं भाषी। जद्यपि प्रथम गुप्त करि राखी॥
तव मन प्रीति देखि अधिकाई। तब मैं रघुपति कथा सुनाई॥1॥

mati anurūpa kathā maiṃ bhāṣī. jadyapi prathama gupta kari rākhī..
tava mana prīti dēkhi adhikāī. taba maiṃ raghupati kathā sunāī..

I have told you this narrative according to my own lights, although at first I kept it secret. I saw excessive fondness for the same in your heart and then I narrated to you the story of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus).

 यह न कहिअ सठही हठसीलहि। जो मन लाइ न सुन हरि लीलहि॥
कहिअ न लोभिहि क्रोधिहि कामिहि। जो न भजइ सचराचर स्वामिहि॥2॥

yaha na kahia saṭhahī haṭhasīlahi. jō mana lāi na suna hari līlahi..
kahia na lōbhihi krōdhahi kāmihi. jō na bhajai sacarācara svāmihi..

This story, however, should not be repeated to a perverse knave, who does not listen attentively to the story of Sri Hari; nor should it be recited to a greedy, irascible or lustful man who worship not the Lord of all animate and inanimate creation.

 द्विज द्रोहिहि न सुनाइअ कबहूँ। सुरपति सरिस होइ नृप जबहूँ॥
रामकथा के तेइ अधिकारी। जिन्ह कें सत संगति अति प्यारी॥3॥

dvija drōhihi na sunāia kabahūom. surapati sarisa hōi nṛpa jabahūom..
rāma kathā kē tēi adhikārī. jinha kēṃ satasaṃgati ati pyārī..

It should never be repeated to a Brahmana-hater, be he a monarch as great as Indra (the lord of the celestials). They alone are qualified to hear Sri Rama’s narrative, who are extremely fond of communion with holy men.

 गुर पद प्रीति नीति रत जेई। द्विज सेवक अधिकारी तेई॥
ता कहँ यह बिसेष सुखदाई। जाहि प्रानप्रिय श्रीरघुराई॥4॥

gura pada prīti nīti rata jēī. dvija sēvaka adhikārī tēī..
tā kahaom yaha bisēṣa sukhadāī. jāhi prānapriya śrīraghurāī..

They alone are fit to hear it, who are devoted to the feet of their preceptor, and are lovers of propriety and votaries of the Brahmanas. The story affords special delight to them who hold the graceful Lord of the Raghus dear as life.

दोहा | Dohas:

 राम चरन रति जो चह अथवा पद निर्बान।
भाव सहित सो यह कथा करउ श्रवन पुट पान॥128॥

rāma carana rati jō caha athavā pada nirbāna.
bhāva sahita sō yaha kathā karau śravana puṭa pāna..128..

He who seeks devotion to the feet of Sri Rama or to enjoy the state of eternal bliss should fondly drink in this story with the cups of his ears.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 राम कथा गिरिजा मैं बरनी। कलि मल समनि मनोमल हरनी॥
संसृति रोग सजीवन मूरी। राम कथा गावहिं श्रुति सूरी॥1॥

rāma kathā girijā maiṃ baranī. kali mala samani manōmala haranī..
saṃsṛti rōga sajīvana mūrī. rāma kathā gāvahiṃ śruti sūrī..

I have narrated, Girija, the story of Sri Rama, which wipes out the sins of the Kali age and removes the impurities of the mind. The narrative of Sri Rama, as is declared by the Vedas and the seers, is a life-giving herb to cure the disease of birth and death.

 एहि महँ रुचिर सप्त सोपाना। रघुपति भगति केर पंथाना॥
अति हरि कृपा जाहि पर होई। पाउँ देइ एहिं मारग सोई॥2॥

ēhi mahaom rucira sapta sōpānā. raghupati bhagati kēra paṃthānā..
ati hari kṛpā jāhi para hōī. pāuom dēi ēhiṃ māraga sōī..

It has seven beautiful stairs, which are so many roads as it were leading to the goal of Devotion to the Lord of the Raghus. He alone who enjoys the utmost grace of Sri Hari can set his foot on this road (the road to Devotion).

 मन कामना सिद्धि नर पावा। जे यह कथा कपट तजि गावा॥
कहहिं सुनहिं अनुमोदन करहीं। ते गोपद इव भवनिधि तरहीं॥3॥

mana kāmanā siddhi nara pāvā. jē yaha kathā kapaṭa taji gāvā..
kahahiṃ sunahiṃ anumōdana karahīṃ. tē gōpada iva bhavanidhi tarahīṃ..

Men who sing this story in a guileless spirit attain the object of their soul’s desire. Nay, they who repeat or listen to it or even approve of its recitation cross the ocean of mundane existence as they would the print of a cow’s hoof.

 सुनि सब कथा हृदय अति भाई। गिरिजा बोली गिरा सुहाई॥
नाथ कृपाँ मम गत संदेहा। राम चरन उपजेउ नव नेहा॥4॥

suni saba kathā hṛdayaom ati bhāī. girijā bōlī girā suhāī..
nātha kṛpāom mama gata saṃdēhā. rāma carana upajēu nava nēhā..

Girija (Daughter of the mountain-king) was greatly delighted at heart to hear the whole narrative and replied in pleasing tones : “By the grace of my lord (Yourself) my doubts have disappeared and my devotion to Sri Rama’s feet has been renovated.”

दोहा | Dohas:

 मैं कृतकृत्य भइउँ अब तव प्रसाद बिस्वेस।
उपजी राम भगति दृढ़ बीते सकल कलेस॥129॥

maiṃ kṛtakṛtya bhaiuom aba tava prasāda bisvēsa.
upajī rāma bhagati dṛḍha bītē sakala kalēsa..129..

“By your blessing, O Lord of the universe, I have now attained the object of my life. Unswerving devotion to Sri Rama has sprung in my heart and all my afflictions have ended.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

 यह सुभ संभु उमा संबादा। सुख संपादन समन बिषादा॥
भव भंजन गंजन संदेहा। जन रंजन सज्जन प्रिय एहा॥1॥

yaha subha saṃbhu umā saṃbādā. sukha saṃpādana samana biṣādā..
bhava bhaṃjana gaṃjana saṃdēhā. jana raṃjana sajjana priya ēhā..

            This blessed dialogue between Lord Sambhu and Goddess Uma begets joy and lifts the gloom of depression. It puts an end to transmigration, disperses doubt, delights the devotees and is dear to the saints.

 राम उपासक जे जग माहीं। एहि सम प्रिय तिन्ह कें कछु नाहीं॥
रघुपति कृपाँ जथामति गावा। मैं यह पावन चरित सुहावा॥2॥

rāma upāsaka jē jaga māhīṃ. ēhi sama priya tinha kē kachu nāhīṃ..
raghupati kṛpāom jathāmati gāvā. maiṃ yaha pāvana carita suhāvā..

To the worshippers of Sri Rama, nothing is so dear as this (narrative of Sri Rama). By the grace of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) Himself I have sung to the best of my ability this sacred and charming story.

 एहिं कलिकाल न साधन दूजा। जोग जग्य जप तप ब्रत पूजा॥
रामहि सुमिरिअ गाइअ रामहि। संतत सुनिअ राम गुन ग्रामहि॥3॥

ēhiṃ kalikāla na sādhana dūjā. jōga jagya japa tapa brata pūjā..
rāmahi sumiria gāia rāmahi. saṃtata sunia rāma guna grāmahi..

In this age of Kali no other discipline is of any avail-neither Yoga (mind-control) nor sacrifices, nor Japa (muttering of prayers) not austere penance nor any sacred vows nor ritual : Rama alone should be remembered, Rama alone should be glorified; and it is the catalogue of Rama’s virtues alone that should be given ear to.

 जासु पतित पावन बड़ बाना। गावहिं कबि श्रुति संत पुराना॥
ताहि भजहि मन तजि कुटिलाई। राम भजें गति केहिं नहिं पाई॥4॥

jāsu patita pāvana baḍa bānā. gāvahiṃ kabi śruti saṃta purānā..
tāhi bhajahi mana taji kuṭilāī. rāma bhajēṃ gati kēhiṃ nahiṃ pāī..

Forswearing perversity, my soul, adore Him whose great vow it is to sanctify the fallen, as is declared by seers and saints, the Vedas and Puranas : who has not secured redemption by worshipping Sri Rama?

छंद | Chhand :

पाई न केहिं गति पतित पावन राम भजि सुनु सठ मना।
गनिका अजामिल ब्याध गीध गजादि खल तारे घना॥
आभीर जमन किरात खस स्वपचादि अति अघरूप जे।
कहि नाम बारक तेपि पावन होहिं राम नमामि ते॥1॥

pāī na kēhiṃ gati patita pāvana rāma bhaji sunu saṭha manā.
ganikā ajāmila byādha gīdha gajādi khala tārē ghanā..
ābhīra jamana kirāta khasa svapacādi ati agharūpa jē.
kahi nāma bāraka tēpi pāvana hōhiṃ rāma namāmi tē..1.

Listen, my stupid soul : who has not been saved by adoring Sri Rama, the purifier of the fallen? The harlot (Pingala), Ajamila, the hunter (Valmiki), the vulture (Jatayu), the elephant and many other wretches have been delivered by Him. Even abhiras (a hilly tribe inhabiting the south-west coast in the ancient times), Yavanas, Kiratas (Bhilas), Khasas (another hill-tribe found in Assam), Candalas (the pariah) and others, the very embodiments of grievous sin, are hallowed by merely uttering Your name even once : I adore You, O Rama.

 रघुबंस भूषन चरित यह नर कहहिं सुनहिं जे गावहीं।
कलि मल मनोमल धोइ बिनु श्रम राम धाम सिधावहीं॥
सत पंच चौपाईं मनोहर जानि जो नर उर धरै।
दारुन अबिद्या पंच जनित बिकार श्री रघुबर हरै॥2॥

raghubaṃsa bhūṣana carita yaha nara kahahiṃ sunahiṃ jē gāvahīṃ.
kali mala manōmala dhōi binu śrama rāma dhāma sidhāvahīṃ..
sata paṃca caupāīṃ manōhara jāni jō nara ura dharai.
dāruna abidyā paṃca janita bikāra śrīraghubara harai..2..

Men who repeat to others, listen to (when repeated by others) or chant alone this narrative of Sri Rama (the Ornament of Raghu’s race) thereby wipe out the sins that are incident to the Kali age as well as the impurities of their soul, and ascend to the Abode of Sri Rama without any difficulty. Nay the Chief of the Raghus cures the perversities, caused by the fivefold* ignorance, of those men who treasure up in their heart even a few Caupais (small four-footed verses) of this narrative that appeal to them as most charming.

 सुंदर सुजान कृपा निधान अनाथ पर कर प्रीति जो।
सो एक राम अकाम हित निर्बानप्रद सम आन को॥
जाकी कृपा लवलेस ते मतिमंद तुलसीदासहूँ।
पायो परम बिश्रामु राम समान प्रभु नाहीं कहूँ॥3॥

suṃdara sujāna kṛpā nidhāna anātha para kara prīti jō.
sō ēka rāma akāma hita nirbānaprada sama āna kō..
jākī kṛpā lavalēsa tē matimaṃda tulasīdāsahūom.
pāyō parama biśrāmu rāma samāna prabhu nāhīṃ kahūom..3..

If there is anyone who is all-beautiful, all-wise and all-merciful and who is fond of the forlorn, it is Rama and Rama alone; who else can compare with Him as a disinterested friend and a bestower of eternal bliss? Nowhere can we find a lord like Sri Rama, by an iota of whose grace even the dull-witted Tulasidasa has found supreme peace.

दोहा | Dohas:

 मो सम दीन न दीन हित तुम्ह समान रघुबीर।
अस बिचारि रघुबंस मनि हरहु बिषम भव भीर॥130 क॥

mō sama dīna na dīna hita tumha samāna raghubīra.
asa bicāri raghubaṃsa mani harahu biṣama bhava bhīra..130ka..

There is no one so miserable as I nor such a friend of the miserable as You, O Hero of Raghu’s line ! Realizing this, O Jewel of Raghu’s race, take away my fear of transmigration, which is so terrible.

 कामिहि नारि पिआरि जिमि लोभिहि प्रिय जिमि दाम।
तिमि रघुनाथ निरंतर प्रिय लागहु मोहि राम॥130 ख॥

kāmihi nāri piāri jimi lōbhahi priya jimi dāma.
timi raghunātha niraṃtara priya lāgahu mōhi rāma..130kha..

May You be ever so dear to me, Rama, as woman is dear to a lustful man, and as lucre is dear to the greedy, O Lord of the Raghus.

श्लोक | Shloka: :

 यत्पूर्वं प्रभुणा कृतं सुकविना श्रीशम्भुना दुर्गमं
श्रीमद्रामपदाब्जभक्तिमनिशं प्राप्तयै तु रामायणम्‌।
मत्वा तद्रघुनाथनामनिरतं स्वान्तस्तमः शान्तये।
भाषाबद्धमिदं चकार तुलसीदासस्तथा मानसम्‌॥1॥

yatpūrvaṃ prabhuṇā kṛtaṃ sukavinā śrīśambhunā durgamaṃ
śrīmadrāmapadābjabhaktimaniśaṃ prāptayai tu rāmāyaṇam‌।
matvā tadraghunāthanāmanirataṃ svāntastamaḥ śāntaye।
bhāṣābaddhamidaṃ cakāra tulasīdāsastathā mānasam‌॥1॥

The same mysterious “Manasa-Ramayana” (the story of Sri Rama figuratively spoken of as a Manasa lake) which was composed of yore by the blessed Lord Sambhu, the best of all poets, with the object of developing unceasing devotion to the lotus-feet of the all-beautiful Sri Rama, has been likewise rendered into the vulgar tongue by Tulasidasa for dispersing the gloom of his heart, cognizing the fact that it is devoted to the Name of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus).

 पुण्यं पापहरं सदा शिवकरं विज्ञानभक्तिप्रदं।
मायामोहमलापहं सुविमलं प्रेमाम्बुपूरं शुभम्‌।
श्रीमद्रामचरित्रमानसमिदं भक्त्यावगाहन्ति ये
ते संसारपतंगघोरकिरणैर्दह्यन्ति नो मानवाः॥2॥

puṇyaṃ pāpaharaṃ sadā śivakaraṃ vijñānabhaktipradaṃ।
māyāmohamalāpahaṃ suvimalaṃ premāmbupūraṃ śubham‌।
śrīmadrāmacaritramānasamidaṃ bhaktyāvagāhanti ye
te saṃsārapataṃgaghorakiraṇairdahyanti no mānavāḥ॥2॥

This glorious, holy, purifying, blessed and most limpid Manasa lake of Sri Rama’s exploits ever begets happiness; nay, it bestows both wisdom and Devotion, wipes out delusion, infatuation and impurity and is brimful with the water of love. Men who devoutly take a plunge into it are never scorched with the burning rays of the sun of worldly illusion.

मासपारायण, तीसवाँ विश्राम
नवाह्नपारायण, नवाँ विश्राम 

[PAUSE 30 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
[PAUSE 9 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]

इति श्रीमद्रामचरितमानसे सकलकलिकलुषविध्वंसने सप्तमः सोपानः समाप्तः।

Thus ends the seventh descent into the Manasa lake of Sri Rama exploits, that eradicates all the impurities of the Kali age.

कलियुग के समस्त पापों का नाश करने वाले श्री रामचरित मानस का यह सातवाँ सोपान समाप्त हुआ।